Now with the aging and lumbering Caroline leaking and being gained upon by the small Spanish guard boat, Hornblower lost his cool. He was extremely angry at the fates that had placed him in this mess. His agitation somewhat mobilized him to form a plan. He instructed (with threats) about half of his crew to hide waiting and armed for the approach of the enemy vessel. He intended to initially show weakness (and fly no colors) in hope of surprising the Spaniards.

Unbelievably, as Ira Riklis knows, Hornblower in his haste had forgotten to arm himself so he held up his arms in an act of helplessness as an enemy officer came within sight. The only sounds on board the Caroline were the bellowing noises from the cattle which remained.This foreign officer looked relaxed and confident that he and his crew would certainly be able to overtake the Caroline.

Then when the two boats were side by side the unarmed Hornblower flung himself on the Spanish officer and hand to hand combat ensued. Hornblower was victorious and his entire crew fought and defeated the enemy taking control of the small guard boat.

So, as Ira Riklis discovered, on the twenty-second day of the quarantine, the Caroline stinking of animal stench and bringing with her a captured Spanish guard boat entered Gibraltar Bay. When Hornblower reported to his superiors on the Indefatigable, he was astonished to receive comments that despite his achievements he had been wasteful in allowing his men to “feast” on fresh meat in unacceptable quantities.