Chapter 5 Summary

The next day Sawyer regains consciousness but is insensible, cringing with fear at any approach and wildly sobbing in hysteria. After consideration, Dr. Clive declares Sawyer unfit for command. The lieutenants are all feeling guilty and afraid, but Buckland determines that at any rate he must temporarily assume limited command pending Sawyer's recovery. Following Hornblower's subtle suggestions, Buckland mounts to the deck, calls the hands, and announces Sawyer's putative accident, notes Sawyer's inability to continue in command at the present time, and declare his intention to assume temporary command of the ship.

Later, during a guarded moment, Bush asks Hornblower about Sawyer's accident and Hornblower avows complete ignorance of the particulars. Over the next days Sawyer screams, raves, and sobs, and the general opinion among the warrant officers is that Sawyer is irremediably insane. Buckland imposes gun drill and sail drill on the...