England, Home and . . .

Nick Turnhouse is captain of his own sloop, and increasingly aware of how rapidly he has been promoted and how much he does not know. He is reliant on the professional skill and goodwill of Master and Boatswain, both of whom are long experienced and old, coming close to the end of their seagoing days.

Returning from a convoy north to Halifax, Nick discovers a new admiral in command at English Harbor. His patron has returned to England and he is left as a junior captain in a station in which the new man has his own favorites.

Nick is sent as escort to a small out-of-season convoy, taking valuable ships to England . . . with a certainty that French intelligencers are in the know.