orders a detachment including Hornblower and Simpson to enter the Gironde estuary and board and capture Papillon. During the battle, Kennedy is incapacitated by a seizure and left in the boarding party's boat. Simpson takes advantage of the confusion to cut Kennedy adrift. When Hornblower attempts to lower Papillon'''s main topsail, Simpson shoots at him. The bullet grazes his head and he falls unconscious from the mast into the water, where he is rescued by Seaman Finch.Indy is attacked by three French ships. Papillon, now in British hands, comes under fire from French shore batteries, and Lieutenant Chadd is killed. The senior officer, Lieutenant Eccleston, is mortally wounded, but before he succumbs he orders Hornblower to take command. As the senior midshipman, Simpson attempts to take charge, but Hornblower asserts his new authority and tells Sailing Master Bowles that if Simpson resists, Bowles has permission to shoot him. Simpson is detained under guard while Papillon sails to Indys rescue. Hornblower orders Papillons French colors to remain flying. Through this ruse of war, he launches a surprise assault on the French ships that are attacking Indefatigable. After the British victory, Hornblower accuses Simpson of attempted murder. Simpson issues a challenge, causing Pellew to retract his order that Hornblower not participate in duels. Freed from this constraint, Hornblower accepts. In the duel, Simpson shoots before the command to fire and falsely claims it was an accident. Hornblower is not badly injured and prepares to return fire. Simpson tries to end the proceedings, but the seconds order him to stand his ground and await Hornblower's shot. Simpson begs for his life, revealing himself a coward. Hornblower fires into the air, stating that Simpson is "not worth the powder". Infuriated at this insult, Simpson attempts to stab Hornblower in the back. Pellew who was watching from a nearby rise, uses a rifle to kill Simpson just before he reaches Hornblower. Back aboard Indefatigable, Pellew tells Hornblower how impressed he has been by Hornblower's actions and states that Hornblower has a great career ahead of him if he continues as he has begun. Cast Ioan Gruffudd as Midshipman Horatio Hornblower Robert Lindsay as Captain Edward Pellew Dorian Healy as Midshipman Jack Simpson Michael Byrne as Captain Keene Robert Bathurst as Lieutenant Eccleston Duncan Bell as Midshipman Clayton Paul Copley as Boatswain Matthews Sean Gilder as Boatswain's Mate Styles Simon Sherlock as Seaman Oldroyd Chris Barnes