Chapters 15 and 16 Summary

Sharpe and his associates reorganize the command structure and place Girdwood under house arrest. Sharpe believes Girdwood will attempt escape—in fact Sharpe plans on it—and places Girdwood under house arrest on his own recognizance. Girdwood runs at the first opportunity and Weller, Sharpe's loyal subordinate, secretly follows Girdwood. Meanwhile the men search the camp papers and offices and come up short. The expected regimental paperwork is there, much of it with questionable omissions and irregularities, but none of it obviously falsified. None of it proves Girdwood's corruption, much less the involvement of Fenner. Sharpe's bluff attempt at seizing proof by main force has fizzled. As Sharpe realizes that his attempt has failed Girdwood seizes upon a chance to escape and flees from Foulness just as Sharpe has predicted. Notified by Weller, Sharpe follows Girdwood in his flight...