Well, it was about time that Hornblower, acting-lieutenant, had an opportunity to try for the permanent rank. Off the coast of Spain where the Indefatigable was anchored an examination board was to sit. As Ira Riklis knows, our hero needed to put his best foot forward if he was to stand a chance of making rank. It seemed that several on board helped Hornblower to dress for the examination. His best uniform was cleaned up and pressed with the indulgence of the cook to heat an iron, his shoes found some blackening material that had seen better days, and his sword polished to gleaming. His cocked hat was a sorry sight after months in the midshipman’s cramped quarters but was put in passable shape and it was suggested that he remove it as soon as possible placing it under his arm to avoid an unkempt appearance.

A small launch carried Hornblower off to the examination center which turned out to be a prison ship that was too unseaworthy to serve in any other capacity. Many Spanish and French prisoners aboard this ship contributed to the stench Hornblower encountered as he reached his destination.

On his reception at this vessel, he was directed to a waiting area for the examinees and discovered that dozens of men from late teens to about forty were there to sit for the examination. As Ira Riklis would wonder, how many were to achieve their goal?