Also called, The Examination for Lieutenant, Horatio is still aboard the Indefatigable with Captain Pellew. Now, a more confident Horatio who has made friends among several of the ship's crew, is studying hard for an examination that, if he passes, will enable him to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. But, Horatio's duties aboard his ship are never as simple as studying. Captain Pellew sends Horatio on a mission to get supplies from a nearby muslim harbor with the help of a representive of the British Government, Mr. Tapling, who was sent aboard the Inde for that purpose. However, the natives of the country turn out to have the Black Plaque, and, for fear of spreading the disease that the crew might have, Horatio alerts Captain Pellew that he and all the men who were with him at the time are going into quarentine.

Quotes

Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: Where's Mr. Tapling?
Matthews: He refuses to rise from his bunk, sir.
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: Does he indeed?
[Below decks]
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: Good morrow, Mr. Tapling! When shall you grace us with your presence above decks?
Tapling: Never. There is no point.
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: The Moors have come to fetch their gold.
Tapling: The Moors? Don't let them aboard, set sail at once.
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: The gold is theirs by right.
Tapling: I will not see them, send one of the men.
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: I need my men, Mr. Tapling!
Tapling: I have pains in my body, I cannot move. The hand of Death is upon me.
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: In that case, you shall have no need for rations.
[Takes away his food]
Tapling: You would withold rations from a dying man?
Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: I would consider it my duty to help speed your release from this world, sir.
Tapling: [gets up] The Admiral will hear of this!

Written By Lúthien Anclimë