The South African squadron, under its Commander-in-Chief Admiral Lord Leyton, makes its appearance. Taking command of the blue squadron, Aubrey boards his new flagship, , seeing his blue rear admiral's flag hoisted on the mizzen mast. He has an interview with the cantankerous Admiral, who wants to send two of his officers and a midshipman home to England on "Surprise". Aubrey explains that he does not own the "Surprise", a private vessel once more, but ultimately pledges Maturin's consent in exchange for enough prime hands to man the shorthanded "Suffolk", its crew having been reduced by disease. Aboard "Surprise", Aubrey tells the assembled hands that he can take 63 volunteers over to join him on "Suffolk", and receives cheers.