Chapters 6 and 7 Summary

Porta Coeli feints away from Flame, sailing as if to return to England. After dark, they pass close by Le Havre and look into the harbor to assess conditions there. The recently-seen French Indiaman is anchored rather far out in the harbor with lighters alongside to carry away the cargo—not much has been unloaded. Porta Coeli sails into Le Havre with the failing light, carefully maneuvered by Hornblower. When the harbor pilot comes aboard he is captured without incident. Some minute later, a revenue cutter comes alongside and various officers board the ship where they, too, are captured without incident. Hornblower anchors near the Indiaman, and the ship's boats are launched in the darkness. The ship is captured swiftly and quietly. Porta Coeli turns about and leaves the harbor. She is challenged by another French cutter and the hail...