"Surprise" is long in port at Kutali being windbound. The "Dryad" and the gun-laden transports she fetched seem long in coming. Graham engages in a harsh argument with Aubrey. Rumour spreads that Ismail has permission to take charge of Kutali, causing the locals to beg Aubrey to protect them. Graham travels by land to Ali Pasha of Ioannina learning that Mustapha lured "Dryad" and the transports into his port, and is sailing on his ship "Torgud" to take Kutali. The rumour was started by Ali Pasha in his own double dealing, to fire up Mustapha against his enemy Ismail; in the end, Ali Pasha wants rid of Mustapha. Mustapha is on his own, with no approval from the Sultan of Turkey. "Surprise" is ready to sail on the instant, especially as the winds have changed. Aubrey will attack both ships, "Kitabi" sailing with "Torgud". They meet at sea, with "Surprise" firing broadsides instantly and repeatedly. "Torgud" is cruelly damaged, with many dead. Young Williamson loses half his arm. "Kitabi" goes between "Surprise" and "Torgud", crashing into "Torgud"'s side. Aubrey boards "Kitabi", and takes her. Boarding crew proceeds to "Torgud", jumping across like Nelson. Pullings falls, so Aubrey stands above him and fights fiercely in the close hand-to-hand combat. Aubrey reaches Mustapha, wounded early in the action and sitting. His aide Ulusan surrenders. Bonden carries the swords and ensigns. Aubrey asks Mowett what happened to Pullings, to learn he survived. They return to the "Surprise" before the "Torgud" can sink.