Episode 4 - The Frogs and The Lobsters

[Full Synopsis]

In London, Hornblower is being fitted with his Lieutenant�s uniform. Pellew is being briefed by Admiral Lord Hood on the Indefatigable�s next mission- to escort French �migr� troops across the Channel to raise a Royalist insurrection against the Republican government. Pellew is sceptical about their chance of success, especially when he hears that the campaign orders of General Charette, commander of the �migr� troops, have been stolen.

Three other ships, the Sophia, the Dunbarton, and the Catherine, sail with the Indefatigable. On board are the French troops - the Frogs, and the British infantry- the Lobsters, who have been sent to assist them. The prickly Earl of Edrington is in charge of the lobsters, while Charette is assisted by the Marquis de Moncoutant, who is making a highly symbolic return to France.

The Indefatigable�s destination is Muzillac, the village of which Moncoutant is Lord, and where he expects to be greeted with open arms by his loyal villagers. The plan is for Moncoutant to rouse his subjects into action against the Republican troops, while holding a vital bridge, and manning a ford in the event of enemy attack. Charette and the rest of the �migr� forces disembark at nearby Quiberon, where the Indefatigable is to remain at anchor in case the troops have to retreat.

To Moncoutant�s horror the villagers are now all Republicans, and clearly hate him. They refuse to lower the Tricolour, and in his rage Moncoutant kills the man who is now mayor. The guillotine he has brought with him is then put into action to deal with insubordinate villagers. The Englishmen are appalled, as is the village schoolteacher, Mariette, when Moncoutant closes the school and orders the children to work in the fields. Hornblower is captivated by the beautiful Mariette, and is anxious to protect her from Moncoutant.

Pellew is worried. It is all too quiet. His worst fears are confirmed the following day. The bridge at Muzillac is under attack, and the enemy decimates Charette�s troops. Charette�s campaign plans obviously did fall into enemy hands. Pellew is distraught that his own men have been killed in the battle, but knows that he has get to Muzillac to evacuate the remaining troops, including Hornblower; as long as he�s not too late.

In Muzillac Hornblower and Edrington are having trouble with Moncoutant. He is supposed to be their commanding officer, but he�s too busy executing villagers. Hornblower and Edrington realise they are on their own. Mounted Republican troops, leading a column of infantry is heading for the village. Hornblower rides into Muzillac to persuade Moncoutant to command his troops.

While Hornblower is stuck with the �migr�s in the village, Edrington, the Lobsters and Hornblower�s men have formed a defence on the beach side of Muzillac bridge. The bridge will have to be blown up to protect them, leaving Hornblower stranded.

There�s mayhem in Muzillac. The villagers have turned on Moncoutant, dragging him to the guillotine. Hornblower has to escape, but he won�t go without Mariette. Pursued by Republican troops, Hornblower and Mariette make it to the bridge just as it is about to be blown up by his own men. But a Republican bullet kills Mariette. Hornblower is distraught, and refuses to leave the dead girl. Kennedy persuades him to run to safety just seconds before the bridge explodes.

But as they reach the beach they can see the Republican troops charging over the dunes towards them. At that moment the Indefatigable appears firing at the republicans, and forcing them to retreat.

The survivors return to the Indefatigable, where Pellew delivers wisdom and praise to his favourite prot�g�.

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