All language subtitles for the.onedin.line.s04e05.dvdrip.xvid-archivist

- Is he any better?
- Come away from here, Lucy.

- But, Mr Harvey...
- No going near the folks.

No taking risks.

But he's the third this voyage.
What is it?

Sweet.

- Sweet.
- What's that?

Sweet smell.

So lovely.

Oh, lovely.

He's wandering in his mind.

The only smell down here
is them stinking wet hides in the hold.

That ain't sweet.

It's the same sickness, sir.

- Same as the others?
- Seems to be.

- Do you recognise it?
- No, sir.

A cargo with hides and bones ain't
exactly the purest.

The maggots are probably playing
leap-frog down there.

It's still two days to Liverpool, sir.
What do we do about the sick man?

Bury him. When he's dead.

In the midst of life, we are in death

of whom we may seek for succour
but of thee, oh Lord,

who, for our sins,
art justly displeased.

Thou knowest, Lord,
the secrets of our hearts.

Shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer
but spare us, Lord, most holy...

You shouldn't be on this ship.
Your father shouldn't allow it.

I ain't got no home ashore. No mother.
This is my home.

For as much as it doth please
Almighty God of his great mercy,

to take onto himself,
the soul of our brother here departed.

We, therefore,
commit his body to the deep

to be turned into corruption,

looking for the resurrection of the body
when the sea shall give up her dead

and the life in the world to come
through our Lord Jesus Christ...

- What are they?
- They're his belongings.

They might be infected.

According to the mighty working
whereby he's able to subdue

all things to himself.

Right! Get the men back to work,
Mr Harvey. This ain't a holiday.

All hands to work. Move!

Get it through their thick skulls

that no one's to breathe a word of this
to the port authorities.

I ain't gonna get stuck
in quarantine for six weeks.

Those three men died of natural causes.

Hello, Lucy.

Be in Liverpool tomorrow.
You'll be able to see all your friends.

Friends? He's the only friend I got.

Stupid animal. Stupid, aren't you?

But you have to tell the customs man
when he comes aboard.

It'll be in the ship's log.

"Pneumonia", that's what he'll put,
or "Lost overboard."

Well, then we should report it.

If it is that stinking, rotten cargo
causing the fever,

we can't carry that into port.

It's the machinery. Sailing ships, you
never got nothing like this.

The infection comes out
of the steam engine at night.

You mark my words.

I've never seen
a disease like it, sir.

It strikes very quickly.
All three died within a day.

All of a sudden they felt very weak
and then collapsed with fever.

There's no other sign
apart from the smell.

The what?

All of a sudden, the air has
a sweet smell around them, sir.

- No marks on the body?
- No, none.

The new health officer, sir,
is very zealous

and any attempts to conceal
the cause of these men's...

- Do you know the cause?
- No, sir.

Well then, if we're stuck in quarantine
for six weeks, we'll all be the losers.

No man will get a half penny more
and their wives and children

- may well be starving on shore.
- With respect, sir...

You're about to take
your master's ticket, Mr Harvey.

Now, what would you do?

You don't know the cause.
You're only guessing.

Now, look, Matt, why complicate matters
and lose your owner's money?

You've a responsibility to yourself
and your crew, too.

- Time is money.
- Your owner's money, yes.

Six complete shiploads
of railway equipment to South Africa.

Aye, all in one sweep.

Aye, it's a high freight rate too
for these times.

It's a rare contract, James.

Hurry up and sign it, will you?
I've a lot to do this morning.

Well, just a minute now.
Three sailing ships and three steam.

Yet McCutters here specify
two of the steam ships

to have large hatchers
and heavy-lift steam winches.

Aye, the sailing ships are good enough
for the rail ends with a small ironwork

and we need those special steamers
for the rolling stock.

- It's a damn sight more expensive.
- All right.

And they're paying handsomely.

So three sailing and three
special steamers, it shall be.

But we don't have three steamers
of any type.

Well, we will have.

- How?
- Well, I'll charter them.

Look, steamers with steam winches
do not grow on trees.

Oh, come on, Robert. Sign it.

No. I think we ought to find them
before we commit ourselves.

And risk losing the contract?

Look, I can charter them within a week.

Now come on. Sign.

- Like an old woman.
- Well, one of us has to be cautious.

Not what I'd call it.

- And what happens if we can't fulfil?
- Well, our property will be distrained.

- Our property...

My property? My business? My warehouses?

Nothing unusual about that.
Here, what do you make of this man?

- Dr Darling?
- Hmm.

- Well, he's the new town health officer.

Yes, he's written to me, too.
What's it all about then?

- Well, the new health rules.

How to molly coddle your seamen,
make em' bone idle.

He has the effrontery to ask me,

am I conforming to his
new health rules, voluntarily?

If not, may he come and see me about it?

- He's a formidable man, James.
- Yeah, well, why write to you?

He merely asked me,
as an MP for Liverpool,

if I'm aware of the disease incident
in the port quarters.

He puts the blame, no doubt,
on the ship owners for bringing it in.

No disease on my ship.
We can't afford it.

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Pilot.

- Customs boarding officer aboard yet?
- He's below with the Captain.

All right, let's get on the way.

Name of the ship is the Prince Edward,
owner's Frazer Line.

- Master?
- Thomas Corcoran.

Corcoran. Whence do you come?

Place on the River Plate,
bound for Liverpool.

Cargo of wet hides and fresh bones.

- Do you have a clean bill of health?
- I do.

Hmm, signed Teal Tifferson,
British Consul.

No infectious disease present
in passengers when you sailed?

That's right.

Did you touch any port or communicate
with any vessel during your passage?

No.

Has any person on board contacted
any disease or sickness?

No.

- None at all?
- None at all.

Anything else you wish to tell me
in the interests of good faith?

Have I what?

Well, that's a new question
Dr Darling has added.

He's the new health officer.

Damn your Dr Darling.
I've answered your questions, haven't I?

- You've nothing to add then?
- No.

Very well.

Mr Onedin is here, ma'am.

- Ask him to wait a moment, will you?
- Yes, ma'am.

- James?
- Elizabeth.

- This is a welcome surprise.
- Hmm.

It isn't often we see you here
in the Frazer office.

Yes, well, I was just passing

and thought to see
if I could help in any way.

Help?

Well, shipping lies a heavy enough
burden on a man's shoulder,

let alone a woman.

- They are Onedin shoulders.
- Hey, that's true.

Hey, who would have thought it?
An Onedin owning the Frazer Line.

Oh, poor, old Jack Frazer.

You know, I could never understand
why he was so against me.

We could have worked side by side
to our mutual benefit.

- You mentioned "Help."
- Well, if you need my advice

- or the benefit of my experience.
- Oh, how kind.

Success has mellowed you, James.

I have heard it said,
but I didn't truly believe it.

You know, I could never understand

why Jack went over to steam ships,
a great mistake.

A most profitable mistake.

But there, my father-in-law
was ever a man of vision.

I can see why he was so fond of you.

Elizabeth, I've never asked you
this before, but...

Yes, he left me everything.

- This shipyard, ship... Everything?
- Lock, stock and barrel.

Ah.

Well, he knew it will all go
to his grandson one day.

That is Albert's son.
Oh, how is young William by the way?

I do have rather a busy day
ahead of me, James,

but thank you for the benefit
of your experience.

I expect you find some difficulty
finding specialised business.

Um, steam business that is.

- Is that what you came to see me about?
- Oh, Elizabeth.

Would that be the contract
you've been hawking

around every steam ship line
in Liverpool the last few days?

Oh, that?

Um, well...

Hold her there. Steady as she goes.

Steady as she goes, sir.

Be glad to get home, little lady?
Fair trip for a wee thing like you.

I think she's caught a chill, Pilot.

I'm all right.

She should be in bed. She's shivering.

- She'll be all right. It's just a chill.
- Oh, sweet smell.

You've signed a contract
for three special steam ships

you've not been able to charter?

I'm offering you an opportunity
to do business.

- To better yourself.
- Most kind. I'm interested.

- What? In all three ships?
- Possibly, but not on those terms.

- Well, you'll get nothing better.
- I want 5% more on each ship.

- Each ship?
- Take it or leave it.

Here, Elizabeth,
let me give you a bit of advice.

In business, never say "Take it
or leave it" unless you mean it.

But I do mean it.

- Three per cent.
- Four.

Good. Oh, on condition
we split the brokerage commission.

60-40, my way.

45-55.

All right.

Oh, by the way, you do have
three such ships available, don't you?

- Of course.
- Well, I saw only two in the berth.

Leave me to run me own business, James.
Do you mind?

Unless I supply all six ships,
I can't fulfil the contract.

- I know.
- Good.

Well, McCutters will have delivered
by Monday.

I want those ships ready, loaded
and to sail by Thursday.

Well, good afternoon.

Thank you for your brotherly concern
for my welfare.

Do we have three ships available?

Well, the Wilhelm and the Wildfire
could start loading in a day, ma'am.

And the Prince Edward's in the Mersey,
waiting for a berth.

She has all the necessary modifications.

That's all right then.

- She's ill, isn't she?
- Could be.

The mate's looking after her.

Captain, what is the complement
of this vessel?

What?

In your absence, I gave an order
which could not be carried out.

- Your compliment is 21, I believe?
- That's right.

- And are you three under strength?
- Yes.

You've lost three men
since leaving Paysandu?

Of natural causes.

You failed to report this
to the boarding officer.

I had no obligation to.
They inquired about illness.

They died of natural causes.

I shall report this
to the Customs Service.

Until the chief health officer
clears this vessel,

you will remain at anchor
and no one will leave it.

My daughter, she's ill.

Dr Darling will attend
to your daughter, sir.

Sarah, I know all about slums.

It'll still look bad if you refuse
to accompany Dr Darling, Robert.

Dr Darling is just trying
to make trouble.

I mean, it's not his job
to provide hospitals,

merely to advise as to their suitability
and necessity.

I mean, he's only been appointed
three months

and already he treats half Liverpool
Town Council with open contempt.

He's a dedicated man.
He'll brook no opposition.

- Well, he doesn't impress me.
- You haven't met him.

I agree he's not a gentleman, but still.

Sarah...

What would the electorate say
if I were seen to be consorting

with the Irish poor?

They've poured into this town
in their hundreds and thousands,

diseased, ignorant, starving,

and they expect my voters
to look after them.

Why, some of them are not much better
than animals.

You can still agree to meet Dr Darling.
He suggests a time is enough.

8:00 this evening. I don't know
as how I shall be free then.

You are free.
I've checked with your clerk.

Well, I don't know.

Sir?

Have you been past
the Frazer berth today?

Yes, sir, At 7:00 this morning.

- How many ships are loading there?
- Two, sir.

- Both steam ships.
- Hmm.

Taking on railway wagons.
Huge steel winches they've got, sir.

- No sign of a third ship?
- No, sir, none.

Now, what is my sister up to?

Well, there's talk she's crewing
for two ships only, sir.

With us needing hands for three,

that leaves precious little seas
come adrift.

She assured me that she
had three steam ships available.

Well, there's talk of a Frazer ship
possibly being in quarantine, sir.

You know the Prince Edward.
Now the health officer has ordered

that no vessel is to make contact
until he's been out to clear.

That's not him. That scarecrow?

Aye, that's him.

- Captain Corcoran.
- Yes.

My name is Darling.
Where is your daughter?

- In hospital.
- I beg your pardon.

I've sent her to the hospital
in Liverpool.

- By the jolly boat.
- Sorry, sir. I couldn't prevent it.

You do realise the gravity
of what you have done?

- Yes, but she is my daughter.
- Yes.

Yes. The three men who died.

Natural causes.
I've already reported on that.

What natural causes?

One of pneumonia.
The other two both washed overboard

during the storm off the Azores.

- That is not what your crew say.
- My crew?

So the Pilot informs me.

Mr Corcoran,
I have 800,000 souls to protect.

I am not a fool. I would remind you,

I have the power to send you back
to your port of origin

if I am not satisfied.

- But now there's no...
- And I will use my powers, if necessary.

So I ask you once again,

what was the cause
of those men's deaths?

- What were your daughter's symptoms?
- That has nothing to do with it.

Very few doctors in this country
have any knowledge of tropical diseases.

I have. For her sake, tell me.

Weakness mainly. Sudden prostration.
Voice, a whisper.

- No marks on the skin?
- No.

- No vomiting or cramps?
- No.

What else have you brought back
from Paysandu other than cargo?

- Nothing.
- Are you sure?

- Mementos, bits and pieces.
- Such as?

A shawl, a pair of shoes.
My daughter brought a doll.

I declare this vessel in quarantine,
pending further investigation.

I am not satisfied, sir.

She will remain here for 40 days,

during which time,
no one will enter or leave her,

except a medical officer.

On pain of being fired upon
by her Majesty's Marines.

- No one ever takes...
- You are to hoist the quarantine flag.

Forthwith.

You assured me that you had
three steam ships available

with special hatchers and steam winches.

So I did.

How was I to know the Prince Edward
was going to be held in quarantine?

In this business you do not count
your chickens.

I count my chickens. I like that.
At least I had two such vessels.

You signed that contract
having none at all.

Oh, one steam ship. Surely someone
in the whole of Liverpool

- must have one suitable for charter.
- No one.

Two of my clerks have scoured Liverpool
this very morning.

There's nothing in London
or Cardiff either.

- You sound almost pleased.
- Resigned, that's all.

Unlike you, James, the impossible
is beyond my feminine capabilities.

- Well, I'm not gonna lose this contract.
- Looks as if you'll have to.

- We, Elizabeth. We!
- Yes, I do understand that, James.

What I can't understand is why
you're so desperate about this contract.

- There'll be others.

It's all very well for you
to take this attitude.

You haven't had to fight
for every length of rope,

for every yard of canvas.

You've had it all fall into your lap.

I had no idea you were so jealous of me,
James. I'm flattered.

You've got a lot to learn, Elizabeth.

Yes, I do agree, James,
and you've taught me much already.

But I do know that I lack your tenacity

and I will try and do better
in the future.

Now. You say we're not going
to lose this contract

in spite of my having let you down.

Well, James, I'm waiting to hear
what you have to suggest.

You'd enjoy seeing me go to McCatters
cap in hand, wouldn't you?

Begging them to release me
from the contract

because I cannot fulfil its terms.

You wouldn't have to beg McCatters

to release you from the contract,
would you?

What have you heard?

That McCatters would be only too pleased
to release you from it.

They're looking for an excuse
to drop us.

- Maybe they've had a lower offer.
- Maybe.

You know they have. Who from?

Look, Elizabeth,
we've got to keep up a face

while we keep looking for the ship.

There is also the small matter
of a crew.

I understand you've taken every
available man for your sailing ships.

Oh, well,
that's your problem.

You signed the contract saying that
you'd supply three steam ships and crew.

And due to an unforeseen circumstance,
I cannot do so.

That won't go in your favour
in a court of law.

- Court of law?
- Hmm.

If I lose this contract,
you'll be deemed responsible.

I can sue you for default.

You'd sue me?

Well, I'd be bound to try
to recover my losses somehow.

Me own brother.

Oh, well, I'd be unwilling to,
of course,

but business is business,
you see, Elizabeth.

If I lose this contract, you have
a little more to lose that I have.

Well, we cannot fulfil this contract,

so McCatters can get his lower offer
and you can sue me for default.

Damn you.

Elizabeth, you've given me heart.

I think you're as determined
as I am now to find our third ship.

There isn't one to be found.
We can't conjure one up out of the air.

Right, well, I'd better be going.

Well, let's both carry on looking.

We'll let each other know
if we find one. Goodbye.

Yes, ma'am.

My brother is threatening to sue me

because I cannot fulfil
the McCatter contract.

What do you think of that?

Well, he'd be perfectly justified,
ma'am, in law, I mean.

Me own brother.

I want you to go round to McCatters,

find out who's been offering
to undercut the Onedin Line

and tell them I'm prepared
to discuss terms.

It is not just the appalling
housing difficulties,

the slums, the disease,

the sewerage and drainage system
of the entire town should be remodelled.

Proper lazarettos should be built
in the Mersey for ships in quarantine.

Medicine should be provided free
for the poor.

Forgive me, Doctor, but you'll not find
much civic backing for such a charity.

It is not charity.
It is self-interest, self-preservation.

It is only by the merest chance
that the whole dunghill

hasn't erupted
into a major epidemic already.

Houses are so crowded
that every room and cellar

is occupied by at least four families

lying in filth, indescribable.

No heating, no sanitation.

Women who have just given birth

lying on rotting straw,
without fire or food.

And no hope of getting them.

And every tide floating in,
a new importation of Irish misery.

- Then why do they still come?
- Because, God help them,

they are fleeing from conditions
worse still.

But, Doctor,
we've done everything we can.

I myself I'm the member of
the league of purity...

This particular hospital
that you're taking us to.

One of the few OAC's.

But desperately in need of funds.
That is where you come in.

Shall I lead the way?

And there are six more in here.
Four children.

And there's just yourself
to look after all these patients?

Well, Dr Daniels calls daily,
he's the local practitioner,

and I have two assistants,
but they are unqualified.

- Unqualified?
- I'm a Nightingale nurse, Mrs Onedin.

Oh, I see.

So the way this hospital is laid out...
All space and air...

- It's Miss Nightingale's method.
- Remarkable.

But it is only a converted stable.

Miss McNeil needs
properly constructed premises.

And I need money in any case
to continue this establishment.

But surely, Miss McNeil,

it's customary
for a gentlewoman's family

to assist in philanthropy of this kind.

Well, my family don't approve of my work

and I can only afford to take in
the most serious cases.

One has no idea.

And you have lived here all your lives.

Oh, is this a special ward?

Yes, in a way. It is my home.
Oh, do please sit down.

Do you mind sitting on the bed,
Mr Onedin?

Oh, no please, no matter.

I'm very glad you called, Doctor.
I've had three deaths since yesterday.

Identical symptoms,
but I could not identify the disease.

Sudden prostration, fever,
death within 24 hours.

- And no marks on the skin.
- Well, that is correct.

I have heard reports of
other cases in the town.

When did your patient
first show these symptoms?

Yesterday, a little girl of ten,
called Lucy Corcoran, off a ship.

I admitted her in an advanced condition,
but she died within the hour.

- Was she delirious?
- No, perfectly clear headed.

Though distressed
because her pet had died.

- Her pet?
- A cavy. A guinea pig.

I was going to return this
to her father with the brooch.

It has been disinfected.
I burnt her clothes of course.

- And the animal?
- Burnt, too.

Hmm.

- I'll return this.
- Thank you.

I did write to Lucy's father.

A letter, sir. Ships' agents
threw them aboard.

- Thank you. Stay here, please, Matt.
- Sir.

- 39 to go.
- 39 what?

- Days.
- Well, provided no one else dies.

- What happens then?
- You start the 40 days all over again.

My sister says there's an outbreak
of disease in the port quarter.

Well, there's not much point us stuck
here, sir, if it's already ashore.

- Is there any news of Lucy?
- This is from the hospital.

I had her body removed
to Dr Daniels' house.

I believe he is trying
to identify the disease.

- Please, miss.
- Well, excuse me.

Yes, Oliver, I'm here.

I understood that
there were ample hospitals.

Patients from this district
won't go to them.

They are too far away.

- Then why hasn't one been built here?
- Why indeed.

Doctor, could you come, please?

Now then, young fellow.

- And what is this, eh?
- Sick.

Oh, yes, let's push you up.

He came in this morning,
the same symptoms.

Mmm-hmm.

Now then, lad, where do you live?

Rockingham Close, sir.

- Oh-ho, how many?
- 19, my family.

- Mmm-hmm.
- In how many rooms?

Oh, excuse me.

Now then, lad, has anything bitten you?

Bitten?

Let's feel under your arms, eh?

Tender, hmm?

- Could you help, please?
- What?

- If you could help?
- Oh, yes, yes, of course.

Bring her to the bed.

- Robert.
- This way.

But that's your bed.

Somehow I don't think
I'll be using it tonight.

- Robert, you touched that creature.
- Well, what else could I do?

Mrs Onedin, would you help me, please?

Will you, as my MP, support me
in an application to the council

for the severest and most urgent methods
to be taken to stop the spread of this?

Oh, yes.

Poor souls.

You tried all the crimps?

I've tried every possible source of men.

We got a mate and three seamen

and that's scraping the bottom
of the barrel.

- So we need a...
- A cook, engineer, stokers...

- And a ship.
- Aye, sir, and a ship.

I'm not gonna lose
this contract, Baines.

No, sir. Eh...

Did you say it was the Beech Line
that was trying to undercut us, sir?

Yeah.

'Cause I saw one of Mrs Frazer's clerks

coming out of their office
towards midnight last night.

I'd been doing rounds of the gin halls
looking for men.

I just thought I'd mention it.

- Mr Baines.
- Sir.

- We have found our ship.
- Where, sir?

- Out there, the Prince Edward.
- But she's in quarantine, sir.

Thank you. If anybody wants me
I shall be at the Beech Line office.

Very well, ma'am.

Good afternoon, Mr Onedin.

I'm just leaving, James,
so unless it's urgent...

It is urgent. More urgent
than your appointment I think.

- Afternoon, ma'am.
- Good afternoon, Mr Baines.

Here, that was clever of you trying
to throw in your hand with George Beech.

- Give me that, please.
- I've got good news for you, Elizabeth.

We've found our ship.

- What ship is that?
- The Prince Edward.

But she is in quarantine.
There's fever onboard.

Ah, there's fever in the port,
that we know.

People dying of it within one day of
the Prince Edward coming up the Mersey.

Now one day.

Do you know of any disease
that can be gestated within one day?

Of course you don't.
Must have been here already.

- But if this fever...
- Ah, if, if...

Now that ambitious,
new health officer of ours

puts the ship under quarantine
without one ounce of cast iron proof.

James, three men died on that voyage.

Could have been
for a multitude of reasons.

You know that as well as I do.
Don't you see?

This town council's trying
to foist the blame

for this disease on us ship owners
instead of onto their own rotten sewers.

James, whether there's fever onboard
or not,

I can't bring her into port for loading.

We can bring her into Chetney Creek,
ma'am, six miles east.

And how will you get
the iron railings there?

Oh, there's a road down
to the creek, ma'am.

No, James, it's too great a risk.

Well, you have no other choice,
Elizabeth.

Yes, I have, so if you'll excuse me.

You're wasting your time

if you're thinking of going
to see George Beech.

I've already seen him and told him that
you cancelled your appointment.

You did what?

Well, he agreed with me,
there was little point in meeting you

after he'd heard
I've found my third steam ship.

You have not found
your third steam ship.

- Excuse me.
- Oh.

Oh, by the way, I saw my solicitor.

He assures me that I'd win hands down if
I was to sue you for breach of contract.

You expect me to break the law?

Well, technically
you wouldn't be breaking.

Anyway, it's up to the men.

Now this Corcoran
I don't know very well,

but his first mate, I do.

Hmm, Matt Harvey.

- Yes, I know him.
- Well, then let's go and talk to them.

No harm in it.

Start shifting that stuff down
to Chetney Creek, will you?

Yes.

Does this committee have
the necessary executive powers?

Oh yes, and you'll find it receptive
to any kind of arguments

so long as you base it on money.

Not too much liberalism, gentlemen.

The hardship of the poor
cuts very little ice here.

Doctor, what is it exactly
that you want?

Complete closing of the port
for a month at least.

A military and police cordon to seal off
the entire infected centre of the town.

A string of emergency hospitals
to be set up within the infected areas.

- How much would all that cost?
- 220,000 pounds.

My dear doctor,
that is patently impossible.

Insane.

Oh, they're ready for us.
Shall we go in?

She looks deserted.

Ships in quarantine
always look like that.

Crews lose heart.

But you can't seriously expect us
to close the entire port.

I see no alternative.

No ships to move in and out
of the Mersey for a month?

The catastrophe that will strike
if you do not

take these measures will be far worse.

But owners will refuse
to pay their rates.

Many will be ruined.

I'm surprised to find you associated
with this, Mr Onedin.

And this other proposal of yours
to spend this vast sum of money

- on emergency hospitals...
- Aye.

We did have disease here before
you appeared on the scene, Doctor.

Nevertheless, the situation is so acute
on this occasion

that public opinion will
run us out of office

unless some decisive action
is taken, and soon.

- Have you identified the disease?
- No, I have not,

but I'm certain it came
from the Prince Edward.

I have telegraphed the Home Office
for help in identification.

- But that's our decision.
- I had to act immediately.

Well, even so...

Can the health officer go
over our heads, Mr Fowler?

Yes, sir, they can take extreme measures
if they see fit,

according to the Prevention
of Infectious Diseases Act of...

How much is the closure of this port
going to cost?

Well, that will take me
few moments to work out.

Very well then.

Gentlemen, if you will withdraw,
we will consider our decision.

The town clerk will remain,
if you please.

Right, it's a straight offer.

Start earning this very night

or sit here rotting for another month,
earning not a penny.

But what about our families?

With this fever in the port,
we should be with them.

Well, you won't help them
by sitting around here.

Any man who tries to break this
quarantine's a dead man, you know that.

Well, that's just what we would
be doing, sir.

No, you won't.
You won't set foot on shore.

Just touch the old wharf
at Chetney Creek.

My old woman will be frightened
by the illness. I should be with her.

I haven't been home for six months.

Me wife's had a baby long since
I ain't never seen.

Well then, if you're that concerned
for them, you'll sign on now.

Put money in their pockets.
Good, hot food in their mouths.

Now.

You see these little fellas?

I am prepared to pay an extra wage
for any man who signs on right now.

Hmm, two extra guineas.

- Special bonus.
- You'll make this offer, sir.

- Uh-huh.
- This is a Frazer ship.

Ah, yes.

Well, I shall throw you on the mercies
of Mrs Frazer's generosity.

I agree. Two extra sovereigns per man.

There you see.
An owner who knows the worth of her men.

- Plus an extra guinea.
- Eh?

No stevedores will unload this vessel
in a remote creek.

It's an extra guinea for that,
I believe.

Eh, you've got
a rare crew here.

Men who know their own minds. All right.
Another guinea for unloading.

And I shall allow you
to pay that one, James.

How about you, Mr Corcoran? No comments?

Forgive me, sir,
I'm not feeling very well.

- Oh.
- Well, come on now, lads.

Every word Mr Onedin
has spoken is sound,

so who will be the first
to mark his name, eh?

Gentlemen, we have considered
your request

and we have concluded, reluctantly,
that there is nothing to be done.

- Nothing?
- Nothing.

Except that we shall be
examining the conditions

of your employment by us, sir.

Have any of you...

Any of you see the conditions that
the doctor here has been describing?

Mr Onedin, I don't think we need go
into any of this here...

Look, I stand to lose everything.

Business interests,
present investments, everything,

unless ships can move freely
in and out of this port.

Yet I still think that the doctor's
proposal should be implemented.

And damn you all for putting
your pockets before your daughters.

Do we really have to listen
to this tradesman's spleen?

Tradesman?

Yes, sir, I am a tradesman.

And therefore, sir...

Therefore, I think I know
what is going on

in the minds of the people of this town

far better than you will ever
in a thousand years!

And I'll tell you all

that when your indifference
and your greed

and your irresponsibility
are made known,

public opinion will pitch you out
of this council chamber neck and crop.

Why, you won't even make
a feeble gesture to show

that you're prepared to do anything
for these poor unfortunate folk.

I am disgusted. I'm profoundly ashamed.

Come along, sir.
We know what we must do.

Gentlemen, the Marine Guard reports

that the Prince Edward
is breaking her quarantine.

She's weighed anchor
and is attempting to reach the shore

under cover of darkness.

They ask for our instructions.

- We should prevent it.
- There is no point.

The disease is too firmly
established on shore already.

But the law is the law.

We can't have people
just flouting the law.

What powers are open to us, Mr Fowler?

Under the Quarantine Act of 1836,

you can use any kind of force
to prevent this vessel...

What? Fire on her, you mean?

Yes, even that.

Or you can arrest those responsible
and bring them to trial.

Aye, that's it, a trial.

- Make an example of those responsible.

Very well then. Mr Fowler.

Yes.

Now, we're coming into Chetney Creek.

Easy to starboard.

Ah.

- Matt?
- It's the Master. He's not very well.

Uh, you can't go in there, Elizabeth.

Is it the fever?

James, we can't go on
with this plan of yours.

Look to your course, man.

The Master, Mr Corcoran,
is sick with the fever.

I'll sail as Master myself.

You can't be serious?

Ease her in gently, man, gently.

James, listen to me.

This ship is still harbouring
the disease.

You can't take her out to sea.

Don't you understand, James,
you've lost this time.

Admit it.

Do not attempt to land your rig.

This vessel is under arrest.

Her Majesty's Marines have orders
to fire upon any man

attempting to leave this vessel.

Seems you're right, Elizabeth.

Uh, this time I have lost.

Yes, James. Thank God.

Home Office physicians have established
beyond doubt

that it is Septicaemic plague.

It strikes at great speed,
gestation a mere hour or so

and death occurs too rapidly

for the classic plague symptoms
to appear.

I am certain it was caused by fleas

on the cavy that young girl
brought back with her.

Well, thank heavens you summoned
the Home Office when you did, Doctor.

Mr Onedin, I did not expect
to find you here so early, sir.

- I'm just doing whatever I can to help.
- Hmm.

Well, now we can take the most
urgent steps to combat the disease.

I cannot. I'm dismissed.

What?

For calling in the Home Office
over their heads.

The letter was delivered by hand
to my home this morning.

Well, that is absolutely scandalous.

Well, rest assured, I shall do
everything in my power to see...

That is very kind of you, Mr Onedin,
but they are within their powers.

They will not retract.

I am dismissed.

Quarantine, the whole of Liverpool?

Once they knew what the illness was,
and the port is closed, sir.

No shipping to move in or out
for a month.

Blast their little, little souls.

No, sir, listen.
The Captain of Marines explained.

It's what they calla force majeure,
a government action.

Well, don't you see, sir?
You're legally absolved from blame.

No one can sue you.
No one can move that cargo.

So, you haven't lost
the contract after all.

Oh, I'll be damned.

Where is Elizabeth?

Have you nothing to say to me
after four months?

What should I say?

I was hoping to see you
before you sailed.

I know. I saw you on the quay.

Have you thought any more
about working in the office?

I thought that we'd decided
that I was too ambitious.

I've never been against ambition.

I'll get my Master's ticket soon

and I might come knocking at your door.