Set in the First World War, the title story is a naval commanding officer's harrowing account of the lasting effects of decisions made in times of conflict. Suspecting another ship's captain of being in league with the enemy, the officer makes a momentous decision that will haunt him--its enduring ramifications echoing through the narrative voice as he later recounts the tale to his lover. This volume also features the stories "The Warrior's Soul," "Prince Roman," and "The Black Mate."