Patrick O'Brian · 1972 · sea
The second Aubrey-Maturin novel opens in the brief Peace of Amiens, with Jack ashore, in love, and pursued by creditors. When war resumes he is trapped in France and must escape overland in disguise, the famous flight that includes a bear's skin and a long walk across Spain. This route traces that escape and the naval actions that follow, ending with the interception of a Spanish treasure squadron off Cadiz that finally makes him a post captain.
- 1England
During the short-lived peace, Jack settles in the Hampshire countryside, falls in love with Sophie Williams and, with Maturin, becomes entangled in the social and romantic complications of life ashore, which prove every bit as dangerous as the sea. Then word comes that war has broken out again, and the two friends are caught on the wrong side of the Channel.
- 2Toulon
Trapped in France when hostilities resume, Jack and Stephen are in danger of internment as the authorities round up British travellers. Rather than rot in a French prison, they resolve on a desperate escape, slipping away from the south of France to make their way home by any road they can find.
- 3Gibraltar
Their flight carries them overland across southern France, over the Pyrenees and the length of Spain, Jack at one point hidden inside the skin of a dancing bear. Half-starved and footsore, the friends reach the safety of British Gibraltar, and Jack can begin scheming for a new command and a way out of debt.
- 4Cadiz
Given a frigate and sent with a small squadron to intercept Spanish treasure ships off Cape Santa Maria, near Cadiz, Jack fights the sharp action that fills his pockets and his enemies with envy. It is the stroke that secures his promotion.
- 5England
Jack returns to England at last a post captain, his name on the list from which, in time, admirals are made. He has won Sophie, settled something of his debts, and proved himself in battle, while Maturin's secret life in the world of intelligence has only begun to show itself.