Part 2: Cochrane, Chapter 1 Summary

While sailing south, the Espiritu Santo encounters a damaged American whaler. Captain Ardiles orders his crew to pull alongside the damaged ship and offer assistance. Just as Captain Ardiles begins to suspect that the whaling ship is not what it appears, a battle breaks out. The whaling ship is full of rebels, and they wage battle on the crew of the Espiritu Santo.

Sharpe quickly decides to join the battle on the side of the rebels. The battle is long and bloody. After the rebels win, Sharpe and Harper meet Thomas Cochrane, Admiral of the Chilean Navy.

The Espiritu Santo is badly damaged, and Cochrane orders his men to do everything possible to keep the ship from sinking. The ship is able to sail slowly. Cochrane visits with Sharpe and Harper, and he reveals his plan. Sharpe and Harper...