Chapter 9 Summary

Sharpe and the sailors go to a bomb ship to wait until it is time to enter the city. Hopper provides Sharpe with additional weapons including a seven-barreled gun. Hopper also expresses the crew's sympathy for Sharpe's loss of Grace and their son. Chase later tells Sharpe that the crew had made a crib for Sharpe's baby from ship timbers but burned it after hearing of the deaths.

Chase explains the plan. Chase himself will not go on the mission. The admiral has said that Chase is too valuable. Another officer will be in charge. The sailors will go from ship to ship disarming the incendiary devices intended to burn the fleet while Sharpe goes on his mission.

Sharpe sleeps through the day and wakes at dusk. The crew of the bomb ship is adjusting the guns in preparation for the bombardment. Chase...