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Horatio Hornblower has attacked four French ships, and lost. His crew has been slaughtered, and he was forced to strike his colors right outside of a French coastal base. His First Lieutenant and best friend, Bush, had his foot blown off by a canon ball during the action. All survivors are imprisoned in the French fortress. Hornblower learns that his exploits on the Spanish and French coasts have not gone unnoticed in France. He is villified as a pirate and spy. Boneparte has plans to publicly try and execute him in Paris. Hornblower, Bush, and Hornblower's servant, Brown, are picked up and begin the long journey to what Hornblower is sure as an ignoble doom. The traveling party's carriage becomes stuck along the side of the road, and some of the soldiers have to go to the closest town for help. Hornblower notices a small boat in a near-by river. This is his opportunity to escape with the wounded Bush. He and Brown overcome the remaining guard, grab Bush, and set off down the river. They travel for a couple of days, and then a small waterfall destroys their boat and further injures Bush. Miraculously, the nearest house where they can get help is that of a Count who has lost all three of his sons to Boneparte's war. He shelters the threesome and hides them from the searching authorties. The search party is called off when they find the destroyed wreckage of the boat in the river and assume the trio is dead. The Englishmen stay in the Count's house for the winter. During these months, Bush recovers, learns to walk with a wooden leg, and helps Brown build a bigger and stronger river vessel for the spring. Hornblower continues to wrestle with his loyalty to his unattractive wife, his love to Lady Barbara, his anguish over his dead children, and his concern over his wife's impending delivery. Hornblower is also worried that even if he survives this escape attempt, he will face a Court Martial for the loss of the Sutherland back in England, and his career will be over. Faced with such severe troubles, Hornblower seduces Marie, the daughter-in-law of the Count. Marie's husband has died in battle. She is a beautiful woman who is in-love with Hornblower. Keeping the affair a secret soon consumes Hornblower, and he forgets his other troubles for a time. Spring-time comes and the river is in perfect condition for their escape. They find their way to the nearest sea port, where Hornblower finds The Witch of Endor, a ship that was captured by the French as a prize a year before. Hornblower, Bush, and Brown free a galley gang and capture a harbor pilot. They fight their way out of danger and into the English blockade. Hornblower is picked up and asked to stay on board the Flagship , while they return to Portsmouth. Hornblower faces the uncertain outcome of a court martial. After some tense moments, Hornblower is cleared of all charges. He finds himself a celebrity in England. The public has closely followed his exploits in Spain and France. He is Knighted by the Prince Regent . Fame and fortune are finally his. Unfortunately, all is not good news. Maria, his wife, has died in childbirth. Hornblower mourns the loss of someone who has loved him so dearly. Lady Barbara's husband was wounded and later died from his wounds. Hornblower finds his newborn son in her delicate care. He is now free to marry his true-love, amid his now certain financial security. He will be the brother-in-law of the Duke of Wellington, the commander of British forces in England. |
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