Chapters 6 and 7 Summary

Brown wakes Hornblower early and he dresses in full uniform. Hornblower takes the deck before the flotilla enters the narrow straight of the Sound. The sea lane is scarcely three miles wide—Danish fortresses will certainly fire upon the English ships, but Hornblower hopes Sweden's neutrality will hold. He issues orders in a laconic drawl to give the appearance that everything is in control. Bush, long accustomed to Hornblower's habits, realizes that his affected demeanor implies something exciting is about to happen.

In May, 1812, the flotilla enters the sound, led by Lotus, commanded by the dependable and capable Vickery. Nonsuch brings up the rear. Hornblower feels that the lead ships will likely escape heavy fire because of surprise. Thus, Nonsuch will receive the lion's share of any damage and can also assist in towing any disabled vessel. For such an...