Chapter Two Summary

Chapter two opens in London with Maturin arriving at the Naval Intelligence office to see Sir Joseph Blaine. The first thing Maturin does when Sir Blaine greets him is to offer him a dried beetle specimen, which thoroughly delights Sir Blaine. Blaine tells Maturin that a small squadron is intended for Aubrey, who will be allowed to hoist a broad pennant. His mission will be off the coast of Africa to protect English merchant vessels and to discourage slave trade. Blaine mentions the possibility of a French attempt to invade Ireland and asks Maturin, and Irishman, where his loyalties would lie. Maturin replies that if Ireland cannot govern herself, then she is better off with England. Maturin meets with the intelligence committee where his past activities since his last meeting are reviewed. The committee is pleased to learn that much of the gold that is...