After the Royal Caroline puts to sea, Wilder struggles to command the vessel through mounting danger until a violent storm and disaster destroy the ship, leaving Gertrude, Mrs. Wyllys, and the other survivors in desperate circumstances. They are unexpectedly rescued by the Red Rover's ship, the Dolphin, where Wilder again confronts the pirate and gradually discovers that the Rover is far more complex than a merely brutal outlaw, ruling his men with discipline while displaying unusual courtesy and generosity toward his captives. As the Rover conceals his destination and intentions, Wilder becomes increasingly torn between his secret duty and the personal respect and sympathy developing between the two men.
