The KENT returns to England, where Barlow hears of the death of his father and daughter, and the birth of a son. He signs on as chief mate on the RAINBOW, bound for China.

King's waiters come aboard as they approach England. Barlow hears of the death of his father and his daughter, and of the birth of a son. The men's wages are cut because of a false report of stealing. A few weeks later Barlow takes the post of chief mate on the RAINBOW, a ship hired by the East India Company and bound for China. He describes the cargo. The ship is very full and the commander Captain Polle an anxious man.