5. XIII.

Complete story — includes the ending

Flint begins the bombardment of Vane's fort in earnest. After destroying a portion of the wall, Flint and Hornigold stage their crews on the beach, arming them to retake the fort. During the bombardment, it is shown through a series of flashbacks that not only had Flint wholly committed himself to Hamilton's plan to retake Nassau and pardon the pirates, but had also begun an affair with him. While seeking support from his commander, Flint is confronted by him and Lord Hamilton, who strip Flint of his rank and expel him from the Royal Navy. They give Flint and Ms. Hamilton until nightfall to flee London while committing Mr. Hamilton to a mental hospital. In the present, Ms. Hamilton, now Ms. Barlow, rides into town to try to avert the bloodshed of the coming battle. She finally gets Flint alone and tells him of Abigail Ashe, the daughter of a once-trusted friend. She says they should trade her for safety in the Colonies, thus finally making possible Mr. Hamilton's plan. She leaves Flint a copy of "Marcus Aurelius," which has a dedication to Flint by Mr. Hamilton. After she departs, Vane bursts into the room with a dagger.