Chapters 8 and 9 Summary

A footsore Bampfylde finally arrives at the fortress several hours late. His Marines occupy the fortress and Bampfylde orders the riflemen to sleep and ready for their inland excursion on the next day. After Sharpe and his men have retired, Bampfylde interrogates the American prisoners. He uses brutal means—torture, by the modern definition—to interrogate Killick and some of the other officers. Killick protests the treatment and presents a valid letter of marque and citizenship American papers for his entire crew. Bampfylde considers Killick a pirate, burns the papers, and continues with the aggressive interrogation, stating his intent to hang all the Americans on the following day. Frederickson learns of the interrogation and appears, attempting to stop the mistreatment. He explains he has tendered his word as a gentleman for fair treatment; Bampfylde dismisses him out of hand...