Chapter 7 Summary

Maturin writes in his diary and considers his disastrous devotion to Diana. He is visited by Pullings who announces he has been promoted to lieutenant on Aubrey's advice. Maturin celebrates with Pullings and they exchange news. Later, Aubrey joins them at the lodging for a celebratory supper—but he has been followed. After a successful dinner, the sailors drink and make small talk. Scriven joins them and Aubrey discusses his pressing need for more sailors. Scriven draws up a poster which vaguely promises vast fortunes to any who will sign with Polychrest and Aubrey; in the ensuing days the poster is successful and several men sign on. Pullings presses a few more seamen and Aubrey locates some more men from various sources. Barrett Bonden and Joseph Plaice enlist—they had previously sailed with Aubrey, Maturin, and Pullings on Sophie, Aubrey's previous...