Chapter 2 Summary

Surprise has sailed into a volcanically active region and a new island has emerged from the sea with a volcanic ash cone some hundred feet high; it rapidly erodes into the surf. The supposed mortars are instead firebombs erupting from the volcano and the bizarre weather is thus explained. All around the ship the parboiled remains of sea creatures float in profusion. Many casualties have occurred and the ship is heavily damaged; one of the severe casualties, West, has received a head wound which proves fatal after several hours. Ship repairs are immediately begun—in the distance, Franklin wallows, apparently completely disabled. After some repairs are made Surprise closes on Franklin and compels her to surrender. Franklin's crew has suffered many deaths and severe injuries, and those capable of work are predominantly drunk. Most of the officers have been killed by ash...