Chapter 6 Summary

Flashy generally likes Americans and knows how to use the right airs on them. Waiting until the crew is out of hearing, he asks to see the commander on an urgent matter, claiming to be Lt. Comber, R.N. Taken aboard the USS Cormorant, he informs young Captain Abraham Fairbrother about his mission and presents Comber's evidence. Sure that this will wipe out slavery, zealous Fairbrother plans to rush Flashy to Washington while Balliol College goes to New Orleans for the trial. Flashy is happy with this outcome but reminds himself that someone in Washington may know him or Comber and, not being Navy, he must watch his tongue. During the voyage, Fairbrother comes to Flashy with a delicate problem: Lady Caroline Lamb is naked in his cabin. Flashy is amused at Fairbrother's naiveté.

From Baltimore they ride to Washington and at the...