Chapter 12 Summary

Aubrey writes a letter to the parents of Babbington, praising the midshipman's resourcefulness and bravery. Aubrey then reports to the Admiralty to deliver his after-action report. He is sickly but recovering from serious wounds sustained in the combat; the newspapers are full of glowing descriptions of the action. Aubrey meets with Lord Melville who praises the action and Aubrey's intelligence and courage. Lord Melville then delivers the pleasing news—Aubrey is made post captain. He nearly swoons with the happy news. He is effusive in thanks, then wanders down the hallways and meets Pullings who congratulates him heartily.

Aubrey returns to his hotel and sleeps. In the morning he asks the boundaries of the area in which arrests for debt are not permitted, and then goes for a walk. He enters a cathedral and pumps the bellows so the priest can play...