Chapter 3 Summary

Major General Sir David Baird says he has been looking for Sharpe. Baird asks about Grace and Sharpe answers that she died during childbirth and that their child also died. Sharpe begins to cry and Baird commands him to stop weeping. Baird reminds Sharpe that he saved many lives in India. Baird wants to know why Wellesley promoted Sharpe. Baird had assumed it was for general bravery because he did not know about the specific event where Sharpe saved Wellesley.

Baird has tried to keep track of Sharpe's progress, and he has heard that Sharpe is an excellent soldier but a poor officer. For an upcoming mission Baird needs a tough soldier. Sharpe explains that he is thinking about leaving the army, but he does not mention that thievery is one of his future career choices. Baird encourages Sharpe to remain in the...