Late that afternoon, Captain Vere informs Billy in private of his conviction and sentence: to be hanged from the yardarm in the early morning watch. As the captain leaves the cabin, the first person to see him is the senior lieutenant, who recognizes in the captain’s face an expression of suffering.
Less than two hours later, the crew convenes on the moonlit deck. The captain tells them briefly and clearly what has happened—Claggart is dead; Billy Budd killed him and has been tried and convicted; he is sentenced to hang, and the execution will take place early the next morning. As he finishes, a murmur arises from the crew, but it is ended instantly when the boatswain and his mates pipe down the watch.
Claggart’s body is buried at sea according to the ritual and honors of his naval rank. Billy is guarded by a sentry, who is ordered to let only the chaplain see the condemned sailor.
