Chapter 6 Summary

Maturin remains on the rocky outcrop for three days, subsisting on a tiny pool of water fouled with excrement. The extreme heat and exposure, however, has a remarkably recuperative effect on his health and he finds himself much recovered. He is eventually rescued by the ship once it manages to return. The ship is dismayed at the loss of Nicolls, but continuing through necessity Pullings is promoted to 2nd lieutenant and Babbington is appointed as acting 3rd lieutenant—his official status of midshipman prevents Aubrey from making the appointment outright and permanent, though he is sure the admiralty will honor it. The ship crosses the equator and Badger Bag comes aboard to haze the neophytes among the crew. Scurvy continues to worsen among the crew and Maturin finally demands that Aubrey put ashore to search for greens and citrus. The ship lands...