In the second volume of Patrick O`Brian`s Aubrey/Maturin series, Jack Aubrey escapes from a French prison and returns to England to face his creditors. He meets Sophia Williams--destined to become his wife--while Stephen Maturin becomes involved with the faithless Diana Villiers. A near-mutiny and a particularly bloody encounter with a French ship provide Jack and Stephen with their usual share of adventure on the high seas.