The Nore and Spithead mutinies intervene to upset the course of Delancey's career. He devises an original legal defence in the court martial of a fellow officer accused of murder, and acquits himself well, but falls afoul of the naval establishment and is passed over in the general promotion of all in his rank after the victory at Camperdown. Mollified by appointment to command a curiously antiquated vessel -- the fireship Spitfire -- Delancey uses this unlikely opportunity to best effect, securing the promotion he was denied.