Chapter Eight Summary

Captain Aubrey went directly to the Commander-in-Chief upon his return to Malta. He brought with him his official report for the purpose of record keeping, but since the Admiral was immediately available, much of the report was given through conversation. The Admiral was still hoping for the return of treasure and was disappointed. The biggest disappointment came in the realization that either their information was mistaken or, more likely, someone was guilty of treason. It appeared that their intentions had been leaked and the target adjusted accordingly, hence not just an empty ship, but the fake treasure and its engraved message.

Promotions were assigned on the basis of experience and success, and Aubrey was concerned that the failed mission would negatively impact his career trajectory. The Admiral seemed to blame not Aubrey, but their intelligence, for the mission's result. Rather than...