Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

In chapter nine, the British ships change course slightly in order to gain an advantage over the enemy ships that are nearby. Everyone knows that a battle is inevitable. The crewman named Peel tells Sharpe that he has never been involved in a battle. Sharpe says that he has never been involved in a battle at sea. Peel admits to being frightened and Sharpe reassures him, saying that waiting for the battle to begin is much more difficult than the actual fighting. Another crew member, referred to as Mr. Collier by Chase, is also obviously nervous. Chase gives the young man the task of recording all the messages between the Pucelle and other ships over the course of the day. Chase then apologizes to the man who normally handles that duty, explaining that he wants to give Collier something to take...