Chapter 19 Summary

Billy is surprised to be taken to the captain's cabin, but he knows that Vere likes him and he thinks maybe he is going to be promoted. He guesses that the master-at-arms is there to give a report as to his performance of his job.

However, Vere has the valet close the door and guard it. He instructs Claggart to tell Billy to his face what he has been telling the captain about him. The captain intends to watch their faces so he can make a decision about who is telling the truth and who is lying.

Claggart looks at Billy's face and repeats what he has told the captain. Billy is paralyzed, unable to speak, not even in a stutter. "Speak, man!" says Captain Vere. "Defend yourself." Billy is so shocked that anyone would say such vile things about him that he...