Chapter 4
 Well, Mr. Kennedy?
Archie shrugged hopelessly.
No change, sir. He's been sound asleep for the last three days.
Very well. Everything about the captain from the way he sat to the expression on his face as he stared down at Hornblower spoke worry.
We wait, Mr. Kennedy.
Yes, but what are we damn well waiting for? Archie whispered. Then his head jerked up in panic as he realized what he'd said, but to his surprise, Captain Pellew did not seem angry.
I'm not sure, Mr. Kennedy. I know we are all praying that he will get better. I know we all think he will get better despite what Hepplewhite said, but as for what we're waiting for, I don't know.
Maybe we just want him to do something.
The Captain studied him for a moment.
he said, is entirely possible. After all, when does a man normally stay exactly the same day after day? He paused. But I am sorry to say that we cannot wait idly. He got up from the hammock he'd been sitting on. Unfortunately, I think we'd both better get on deck.
Yes, sir. Archie got up from his own hammock as he spoke and as he did so, his gaze fell on the stairs behind Pellew. The start he gave was barely perceptible, but Pellew whirled around.
Sorry, sir, Matthews said, looking as guilty as Archie had ever seen him. He knuckled his forehead and lit off up the stairs.
Pellew turned around and there was a deep sadness in his every feature.

I'm not going to throw you all to the wolves, you know.
He studied the floorboards.

It's not your fault, Mr. Kennedy. And he trudged up the stairs looking very, very old to Archie.