The Indefatigable puts into Gibraltar where three survivors from a wrecked brig are rescued, one of whom is the legendary Captain Dawson who Hornblower comes to admire.

Supplies are much reduced so Hornblower leads a mission to Algiers to replenish them. The crew finds itself quarantined when exposed to plague but Hornblower utilises the time to study for his pending Leiutenant's Examination.

Back in Gibraltar, Hornblower sits the exam but fails to impress his Commanding Officers until an alarm is raised when a Spanish attack looms...