Chapter Seven Summary

The operation on Mr. Gray went well, but he quickly fell prey to an infection and was buried at sea before the fleet got underway. The fleet leaves The Berlings with the Thames bringing up the rear and having a difficult time keeping up. Jack thinks that this has nothing to do with her seaworthiness or the work ethic of her men but more to do with the lack of sailing experience of her captain, Mr. Thomas. Jack has yet to open his orders and does not yet know of the secret mission of the fleet.

Jack finally opens his orders and learns of the Irish invasion. He is delighted with the mission but is unsure how to approach Stephen about the subject, since Stephen is of the opinion that Ireland, his native land, should remain free of British rule. Stephen tells Jack that while...