Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

This scene is set on the ship's upper deck as Roberts oversees the unloading of cargo. The sailors' shirts are sweat-stained, indicating the heat of the day. A messenger tells Roberts that the Captain's orders are to not release any fresh fruit because he wants it for himself. The Messenger also reveals that Dolan has just taken Roberts' transfer request in to the Captain. As the Messenger goes, Dowdy asks Roberts whether the men can remove their shirts, saying one sailor has already passed out from the heat, and others are likely to follow. Roberts reminds him of the Captain's orders that all men must wear their shirts on deck, but then he gives his permission for them to take them off. An officer from the ship receiving the supplies asks whether there's any fresh fruit available, saying they haven't had...