Admiral Pellew interrupts Hornblower's wedding reception and tasks him to locate a British ship which has disappeared off the French coast, where Napoleon's troops are engaged in covert activities.

Now married to Maria, Horatio Hornblower is soon sent by Admiral Pellew in search of the sloop Grasshopper captained by their old friend, Bracegirdle. The ship had been patrolling a stretch of French coast but had not sent in a report for over two weeks. During a raging storm they take aboard two passengers, an American woman and her French speaking Swiss husband. They are not what they pretend to be. Horatio and his men also encounter Wolfe, the Irish rebel turned traitor and now fighting France. They also realize exactly what Wolfe's plan is when they see three French frigates riding high in the water near his encampment. At home, Horatio is getting used to marriage and having to share his life with someone.—garykmcd

This episode's title most certainly refers to the duty that Hornblower feels to his country, but more certainly also references the responsibility he learns he now has with his new wife. At the film's beginning, Horatio marries Maria, his former landlady's daughter. His obvious fumbling and overly longing look to the sea tells all where his real passion belongs. Returning to the war against Napoleon, he rescues two shipwrecked passengers, who initially claim to be Swiss. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that they have captured Napoleon's brother and his new bride. Through interaction with the two, particularly the wife, Horatio starts learning of his new duties and affections he should share with his own wife. Meanwhile, Hornblower again comes up against the Irish traitor, Wolfe, who now openly works for the French.—John Sacksteder <[email protected]>