Chapters 8, 9, and 10 Summary

Hornblower surveys his miniature fleet composed of Porta Coeli, Flame, Bonne Celestine, and Caryatide. He allows himself to feel some measure of accomplishment and realizes that, back home, recent events will be viewed as consequential and positive. His musing is interrupted by the insistence of one Lebrun, a captive taken from the French Bonne Celestine. Hornblower acquiesces and Lebrun is led to him. Lebrun is fairly young and has an olive complexion and white teeth. Hornblower finds him oily, and Lebrun introduces himself as the "adjoint" of Baron Momas, the mayor of Le Havre. Lebrun had been dispatched to secure the capture of Flame and subsequently the return of Caryatide—her loss had been financially troubling to Momas's interests. After a wandering conversation full of innuendo, Hornblower insists that Lebrun come directly to the point. Lebrun states that Le Havre...