Hornblower is called to take a company of British troops (which the sailors call lobsters because of their red coats) and a company of French nationalists (which are called frogs) to France to fight in the revolution. But Hornblower is horrified by the brutality of the French commander as he guillotines everyone in a village that destroyed his former home and his unwillingness to take part in the actual battles. However, when the commander and his men set out to rape and brutalize a young school teacher, Hornblower vows his protection of her.