Well, Simpson quickly makes it known that he will take out his anger on the younger midshipmen especially Hornblower who thinks often now of suicide as his only way out of this miserable life that he finds himself in. Meanwhile the Justinian still waits in port in order to recruit an adequate crew.

Some of the midshipmen get shore leave and Hornblower finds himself involved in a heated game of whist (the game that is now known as bridge). Now Hornblower is an expert and enthusiastic whist player having honed his card playing skills while a young boy at home. He frequently made the fourth in games with his father and his father’s friends. In the present game, who shows up and joins the others at the whist table? Ira Riklis would guess correctly if he said, “Simpson”. Fortunately or unfortunately for Hornblower Simpson is a lousy whist player and a sore loser.

The play is routine but still fascinating for its ramifications. When Hornblower and his partner win the game against Simpson and the poor officer that was Simpson’s partner, Simpson accused Hornblower of cheating (of course). Hornblower demands an apology from Simpson which he had a fat chance of getting. Hornblower knows that only more abuse from Simpson will be in his future. So (as Ira Riklis knows), Hornblower challenges Simpson to a duel. This would be a way for Hornblower to defend his honor and also a way of committing suicide. The plot thickens.