Chapters 17, 18, and 19 Summary

Sharpe reorganizes the command structure at Foulness by making a few minimal but key changes. Knowing he must secure the loyalty of the sergeants he speaks to them privately and comes to terms with them. The other officers fall in line when they see that the men and the sergeants meant to follow Sharpe and Harper. The next day the entire camp sets off on a long march toward Chelmsford, the proper location of the training ground. Along the way Sharpe and Harper begin to provide training in fieldcraft and proper wartime operations. While the men know drill and parade marching evolutions, they are not fully prepared for actual combat. During the trips Sharpe speaks with Havercamp who confesses that he and the other officers received the enlisted men's pay to divide amongst themselves. Havercamp estimates his personal earnings at about...