Days later, the surgeon talks with the purser. They are intrigued by the state of Billy’s body immediately after his hanging. It dangled peacefully, without tremors or spasms. The surgeon can’t explain it and goes to see another patient as the purser says that Billy’s death was not real. However, the surgeon is unwilling to consider the possibility of supernatural forces at work.

Everyone gathers as Billy’s body is committed to the sea. The men see birds gather at the spot where Billy’s corpse enters the water. The lieutenants salute them all. After a short prayer, the men return to work earlier than usual, at Vere’s command.

The narrator states that his story has more to do with fact than fiction. Therefore, the ending will not be tidy, unlike much of popular fiction. Billy’s death is the end of the traditional story, but the remaining chapters will be part of a sequel. During the same trip, the Bellipotent engages with a hostile ship, the Athée. Vere is wounded with a shot from a musket. After being taken below decks, he eventually dies in the Gibraltar port. One witness says that his last words were to repeat Billy’s name twice.