Chapter 4 Summary

Aubrey and Maturin arrive in Toulon where they are entertained by their old friend the French captain Christy-Pallière. Maturin spies about Toulon while Aubrey confides his love troubles to the French captain. Christy-Pallière confides his own troubles to Aubrey. They are sumptuously entertained for several days as they reminisce about various naval actions, including the capture of Sophie, Aubrey's first command, by Christy-Pallière's ship Desaix. They also discuss common acquaintances and various relations. When Aubrey mentions their intention to continue on to Spain—Maturin's home—Christy-Pallière rather strangely and subtly suggests that a direct route would be preferable to one extending through French ports. Aubrey is confused but pensive and passes the news to Maturin. Earlier in the day Maturin had met with an equally elusive intelligence contact and his interest is piqued. Later in the evening...