Chapter 3 Summary

Chapter 3 relates the events surrounding the rescue of Maturin by Aubrey. Aubrey takes a selected crew of men aboard the captured French boat and sails into Port Mahon, his coxswain Bonden at the helm. Aubrey is very familiar with the port, having lived there some time previously and having carried on a scandalous affair with Molly Harte, the wife of Admiral Harte. The boat uses the captured code book to present the correct signals and is allowed to enter the port and sail to the quay without challenge. Maragall has arranged for the boat to quickly clear the health inspection and to be met by several local guides. In small groups and pairs the selected crew skulks away into the night, following the local guides.

Rather than simply rescuing Maturin, which would indicate his singular importance, Aubrey determines to rescue all of the...