Mr.Simpson begs my pardon at once
before you two gentlemen,
and admits that he spoke without
justification and in a manner
no gentleman would employ.
Apologize to you?
Never this side of hell.
You hear that, gentlemen?
I have been insulted.
Mr. Simpson refuses to apologize,
while insulting me further.
There is only one way now in which
satisfaction can be given.
A duel? Are you mad?
Tomorrow sees an end to it, Archie.
One way or another, I shall
be rid of him.
I have an even chance.
An even chance?
Simpson is reckoned one of the best
shots in the navy.
He'll kill you certain sure.
I'll act as your second, of course.
But, have you ever fought
a duel before?
You ready?
I can't prevail upon you to
change your mind?
Very well. Hand me my cloak.
Where is he?
I regret my principal has met
with an accident,
which prevents his attendance
this morning.
The coward has wet himself.
As his second, I am willing
to stand proxy.
-Proxy?
-I shall fight the duel in his stead
unless Mr. Simpson is willing to
withdraw his accusation,
of course.
-Never.
-Wait a moment Mr. Clayton,
I'm not sure if that's legal.
Legal or not, Dr.Hepplewhite,
it would settle the matter,
I am here.
And you're not afraid of me,
are you, Jack?
I will say, "One, two, three, fire."
At the last word gentlemen, you
can fire as you will.
-Are you ready?
-Yes.
Yes.
One, two, three,
Fire!
Got you, bastard.
Upstairs.
Clayton?
I'm sorry. I didn't kill him.
What is it?
What are they shouting about?
I don't know.
Archie, see if you can't quiet them.
Why?
You were right, Horatio.
Someone had to stand against him,
but not a boy.
You shamed me.
Even a coward can't run forever.
I thought I could beat him
I had an even chance.
Horatio, is it evening?
Hornblower!
I'm not done with you yet, boy.
Iґm going to flay you alive!
-He's dead.
-Yes.
No, you fool, not Clayton.
Louis.
The frogs have murdered their king.
Tried and executed for crimes
against the people.
It means war, Horatio.
Don't you understand?
It means war.
-Well, what's the word?
-Do we transfer?
A third of the crew are to remain
with Justinian.
A third will go to Arethusa
under Black Charlie Hammond.
And we few,
-we fortunate few…
-Don't keep us on tenterhooks!
Keene has recommended our
transfer to … Indefatigable!
-Yes, a frigate!
-You hear that, Horatio?
It means prize money.
Horatio!
Poor old Clayton, he always
wanted to serve on a frigate.
It is a sure opportunity
for advancement,
for distinction, for prize money.
It is the opportunity of a lifetime,
sir.I thank you for it,but
Any ambitious young officer
would jump at the chance to serve
on a frigate!
I know, sir. But, you accepted me
here as midshipman and
of course, I must stay with you.
Not many young men would have
said that, Mr. Hornblower.
I am very touched by your loyalty,
even though I won't live to
appreciate it.
No, please, don't interrupt.
Youth and quick wits
belong where they can be rewarded,
not on a channel groper with
a dying captain.
Sir?
A midshipman's share of prize
money is not much,
I grant you, but at last you
can start to repay
the debt that you owe your father.
It is the good of the service I have
in mind, Mr. Hornblower,
when I insist that you take
up this posting.
Aye, aye, sir.
My name is Captain Sir Edward Pellew,
and I am here to tell you that your
days of idling are over!
You have in mind to fight?
That is well, for you shall
have your fill!
Yesterday, His Majesty received
a communication from Paris.
The Revolutionary Government
in France
has declared war on Britain.
The old adversary may wear
a new face, but whatever mask
he choosesto hide behind, a Frenchman
is still a Frenchman, and
we will beat him as we always
have beaten him!
For there is no power on earth
that can withstand
the might of the British Navy!
God Save The King!
God Save The King!
Midshipman Hornblower, sir.
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