Chapter 9 Summary

The ship begins the long journey home; on the way it meets the China fleet, returning from China laden with spice, silks, and other good valued at approximately six million pounds sterling. The officers of H.M.S. Surprise are invited aboard the China fleet flagship and are dined in style, in the company of various passengers and officers. All of Stanhope's entourage, save the poor Mr. White, gladly pay passage and transfer to the relative ease and luxury of the Indiamen transport ships. After two days of goodwill exchanges, Aubrey sails away alone. After discussions with a rigger in the China fleet, Aubrey is determined to re-rig and re-step the foreroyalmast in a new fashion. This delicate operation is carried out successfully in spite of a heavy swell.

The ship continues on its way home and then, finally, encounters the long-discussed but...