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- Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
- Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
- Sprache: Englisch
In "Tales of Pirates and Blue Water," Arthur Conan Doyle ventures beyond his renowned detective stories to explore the vivid and tumultuous world of pirates and maritime adventure. This collection showcases Doyle's gift for storytelling, deftly weaving gripping narratives filled with swashbuckling heroes, treacherous foes, and the sea's myriad mysteries. The literary style is characterized by rich, descriptive prose and a sense of romanticism, reflecting the era's fascination with adventure. Doyle infuses his tales with a historical context that merges fact and fiction, drawing upon nautical lore that harks back to the Golden Age of Piracy, allowing contemporary readers to experience the thrill and danger of life on the open seas. Arthur Conan Doyle, who was trained as a physician, had a lifelong interest in the natural world and adventure. His own experiences in sailing and the literature of his time informed his depiction of piracy and maritime life. The author's travels and his penchant for storytelling were further influenced by the literary trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rendering these tales a reflection of both personal intrigue and popular culture. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this enchanting collection, as Conan Doyle's adept narrative skills breathe life into stories that pulse with bravery and daring. "Tales of Pirates and Blue Water" is not just for fans of adventure; it is also a testament to the timeless allure of the sea and the human spirit's quest for freedom. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021
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Tales of Pirates and Blue Water
Table of Contents
Introduction
In this collection titled 'Tales of Pirates and Blue Water,' Arthur Conan Doyle invites readers to embark on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous seas of adventure and human emotion. This comprehensive single-author compilation draws together a selection of his stories that dive deep into the hearts and minds of characters who navigate the complexities of life in a lawless world. With a focus on piracy, adventure, and moral dilemmas, this collection aims to showcase Doyle's remarkable storytelling prowess and his ability to weave tales that capture the imagination and provoke thought.
The genre of this collection predominantly encompasses short stories, a form that allows Doyle to delve into conciseness and directness without sacrificing depth. While the primary focus is on narratives rich with action and suspense, the collection also reflects a diversity of themes that can be explored over multiple readings. Each story serves as a distinct vignette, allowing readers to experience different slices of life, ranging from the brutal realities of piracy to the commonplace struggles of humanity, all while maintaining an underlying atmosphere of adventure.
Unifying these tales is a rich tapestry of themes that explore the nature of morality in the face of treachery and betrayal. Doyle crafts his characters with complexity, often portraying them with shades of gray that challenge traditional notions of right and wrong. The inherent allure of the pirate life is juxtaposed against the stark realities of greed, loyalty, and survival, creating a nuanced exploration of human character. Through atmospheric descriptions and gripping plotlines, the stories evoke feelings of both wonder and foreboding, inviting readers to reflect on their own ethical compass.
Stylistically, Doyle's prose exhibits an engaging vigor, characterized by vivid imagery and an unyielding narrative drive that pulls the reader into the world he constructs. His mastery of dialogue brings characters to life, each voice distinct and laden with personality. The suspense is palpable, with well-timed revelations that uncover the layers of each story. These stylistic choices not only enhance the entertainment value but also serve to underscore the collection's deeper messages about identity, humanity, and fate—a hallmark of Doyle’s literary craft.
Furthermore, the significant cultural and historical contexts embedded within these tales contribute to their enduring relevance. Doyle's works serve as portals to a bygone era of high-seas adventure and peril, reflecting the fascination and trepidation audiences felt toward pirates and the maritime life. The narratives encapsulate a moment in time when the allure of the unknown beckoned explorers and criminals alike, fostering a sense of nostalgia while encouraging modern readers to consider the impact of those historical realities on their own lives.
Through his vivid characterizations of Captain Sharkey and other notable figures, Doyle deftly crafts a dichotomy of heroism and villainy. Each character, whether the infamous pirate or the beleaguered victim, mirrors elements of society—courage, self-interest, disorder, and sacrifice. The interplay between these contrasting traits prompts readers to question conventional understandings of villainy and virtue, blurring the lines as each character grapples with their own choices and consequences.
Moreover, the themes of adventure and exploration resonate strongly throughout the collection, reflecting humanity's incessant quest for freedom and knowledge. The sea, depicted as both magnificent and terrifying, serves as a backdrop for the infinite possibilities and dangers that await those willing to venture into the unknown. Each story in this collection stands as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and longing for adventure, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys and the choices that define them.
The nuanced depiction of loyalty and betrayal is another theme that runs through the collection's narratives. Characters find themselves navigating alliances that can be as fleeting as the tides, reminding readers that even the closest companions can turn foes in the face of greed. This exploration of shifting loyalties is a reflection of the complexities present in human relationships, extending far beyond the surface of pirate tales to resonate with the everyday lives of readers.
Doyle's deft storytelling is complemented by his ability to evoke a strong sense of place within each vignette. From the lush, tropical islands to the harsh, unforgiving waters of the Caribbean, the settings serve not only as backdrops for the action but also as essential characters in their own right. The descriptions draw readers into the sensory experiences of these locations, allowing them to feel the spray of the sea, smell the salt in the air, and witness the swirling conflict among men battling both nature and each other.
As readers navigate the pages of 'Tales of Pirates and Blue Water,' they will also discover a rich tapestry of historical references and nautical lore. Doyle's background in medicine and science is evident in the meticulous attention to detail he brings to the seafaring life, enhancing the authenticity of his narratives. The interplay of fact and fiction adds an intellectual dimension to the stories, inviting readers to consider the real-life implications of the pirate life and its historical significance.
In stories like 'The Captain of the Polestar,' Doyle explores the psychological mysteries and moral quandaries faced by individuals isolated from society. These themes echo through the ages, allowing readers to empathize with characters who confront their inner demons amidst the chaos of external conflicts. This psychological depth adds layers to the story, provoking introspection about the struggles within every individual across time and space.
The varying narrative techniques employed by Doyle further enhance the collection's richness. From first-person accounts that immerse readers in the minds of characters to third-person narratives that offer a broader perspective, each technique serves a purpose and contributes to the overall thematic fabric. Readers can appreciate the fluidity with which Doyle shifts between these techniques, effectively drawing them deeper into the intricate world he has created.
The collection also serves as a noteworthy representation of Doyle's versatility as a writer. Although he is globally renowned for the iconic Sherlock Holmes stories, this assortment of pirate tales reveals his expansive range and his ability to traverse multiple genres. By showcasing these lesser-known works, readers gain a more holistic understanding of Doyle's literary contributions and the breadth of his creative genius in storytelling.
Engaging with these stories not only offers entertainment, but also invites reflection on the nature of heroism. The characters that populate Doyle’s tales challenge the reader to reconsider traditional notions of bravery and villainy, urging them to delve into the motivations behind actions. These themes encourage a critical examination of our own moral compasses as we navigate the complexities of our journeys, even in the face of challenges.
As the reader progresses through the collection, they will encounter several stories that employ a tone rich with irony and satire. These elements serve to critique social norms and illuminate the absurdities of the pirate ethos, simultaneously offering humor amidst the tale’s darker aspects. The blend of humor and grave consequences creates a dynamic reading experience, showcasing Doyle’s ability to balance contrasting elements with finesse.
Furthermore, the emotional depth embedded within each narrative fosters connections between the readers and the characters. Doyle’s poignant explorations of love, loss, and redemption add haunting notes that linger long after the pages are turned. Readers will find themselves grappling with the characters’ choices and the aftermath of their adventures, reflecting on their own experiences and understanding of human connections.
In conclusion, 'Tales of Pirates and Blue Water' serves not only as a testament to Arthur Conan Doyle's literary mastery but also as an exploration of the complexities of human nature amidst the allure of adventure. As readers engage with the depths of these stories, they are invited to fully immerse themselves in the world Doyle crafts. Each tale offers an opportunity for reflection, challenge, and, ultimately, the joy of discovery, encouraging readers to explore every section of this comprehensive collection from beginning to end.
Historical Context
Arthur Conan Doyle, born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a significant figure in literature, best known for his Sherlock Holmes detective series. Beyond his detective works, Doyle's short stories reflect the rich tapestry of the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods. The fascination with adventure, exploration, and the romance of the sea was a notable cultural element during this era, partially influenced by the British Empire's imperial ambitions and a romanticized view of nautical life.
The 19th century marked a pivotal time in maritime history, with the British Empire at its height. The sea was a source of mystery and adventure, inspiring numerous literary works. Doyle, writing in the late 1800s to early 1900s, tapped into this interest, exploring narratives of piracy and adventure to captivate his audience. His stories often reflect imperial attitudes and the complexities of colonialism, highlighting the interplay between civilization and the untamed world of the seas.
The spirit of adventure during this period was influenced by the historical Age of Exploration, leaving a significant impact on British identity. Doyle’s works evoke the classic imagery of pirate life—treasure, treachery, and lawlessness. Such tales captured the public's imagination, driven by contemporary travel literature and the exploits of real sailors and adventurers, situating pirate mythology within the context of British imperialism and exploration.
Cultural attitudes towards the sea were shaped by substantial maritime literature produced during the 19th century, notably Robert Louis Stevenson’s 'Treasure Island', published in 1883, which played a crucial role in popularizing pirate lore. Doyle’s contributions can be seen as a response to this cultural fascination, enhancing the genre with his distinct style, while reflecting the anxieties and ambitions of a nation grappling with its imperial identity.
Doyle's narratives often intertwine themes of morality, adventure, and the supernatural. His exploration of the darker sides of pirate life reveals a complex moral universe, reflecting Victorian preoccupations with ethics amidst burgeoning imperial enterprises. Such narratives compelled readers to grapple with both the romance of piracy and its inherent violence and moral ambiguity.
His works also exhibit influence from the social and economic changes occurring in Britain. The rise of the working class and the impact of industrialization created a backdrop of socio-political tension. Doyle's pirates, often portrayed as outcasts or rebels, serve as metaphors for those disillusioned by the rapid changes in society and the values of a rapidly industrializing nation.
In addition to the sociopolitical climate, Doyle's writings reflect the artistic movements of his time, particularly the aestheticism that emerged in the late Victorian era. The romance of adventure and the quest for beauty in language and storytelling resonated in Doyle's prose. His vivid descriptions of the sea and pirate life invite readers to escape into a world of imagination, highlighting the interplay of artistry and narrative that defines his work.
Doyle's personal experiences also significantly influenced his writing. As a trained physician, his scientific background permeates his fiction, revealing a fascination with the human condition and the complexities of moral choices. This scientific perspective, juxtaposed with the fantastical elements of piracy, provided a unique lens through which Doyle examined characters and events, combining realism with adventure.
Throughout Doyle’s literary journey, he maintained a deep appreciation for storytelling that reflected both adventure and consequences. The narratives convey a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of exploration and the complexity of human nature, urging readers to think critically about the thin line between heroism and villainy in a world where imperial interests often dictated moral decisions.
The global events of the time also shaped Doyle's narratives, with conflicts like the Spanish-American War influencing perceptions of pirates and privateers in the public consciousness. Doyle’s stories often engage with the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, reflecting a world where personal and national interests clashed on the turbulent waters of the sea.
In examining societal fears of colonial encounters, Doyle explores the unease inherent in the British imperial context, offering critiques of imperialism while engaging with adventure narratives. His storytelling reveals a nuanced understanding of the colonial mindset, balancing romance with critique.
The emergence of mass literacy and the proliferation of periodicals during Doyle's time meant that adventure stories could reach a broader audience. Doyle capitalized on this landscape, placing his pirate tales in popular magazines that catered to diverse readers, affirming the universal appeal of adventure and escapism.
The legacy of the Romantic Movement also influenced Doyle's writing style and thematic choices. The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism guided his portrayals of pirates, making them more than mere caricatures, turning them into complex figures navigating their tumultuous environments.
Doyle's involvement in various social causes further enriched his narratives. A supporter of social reform, he imbued his tales with themes of justice and morality, driven by empathy and human dignity. This advocacy challenges readers to consider ethical dimensions in their enjoyment of tales steeped in adventure and lawlessness.
The transition from the 19th to the 20th century brought profound changes in societal perspectives, particularly concerning empire and identity. Doyle’s pirate stories reflect a fading world order, where adventure and exploration were increasingly tinged with the realities of globalization, marking a shift towards a more introspective and critical exploration in literature.
As Doyle's literary career progressed, he expanded the boundaries of genre, incorporating elements of horror, adventure, and the supernatural into his storytelling. His versatility reinforced the notion that adventure stories could encompass a wider array of human experiences and fears.
In summary, Doyle's narratives encapsulate the multifaceted historical context of his career. Through his stories, he captures the zeitgeist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, blending adventure with social commentary. As readers encounter his tales, they are transported not only to the high seas but also into the hearts and minds of characters shaped by the complexities of their time, emphasizing the interplay of history, culture, and literature.
Author Biography
Introduction
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a Scottish physician and author whose creations reshaped popular fiction in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He is best known for Sherlock Holmes, the consulting detective whose logical method and companion Dr. Watson helped define modern crime fiction. Doyle also wrote historical romances, science adventures, war reportage, and essays, demonstrating remarkable range. Works such as A Study in Scarlet, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Lost World secured a broad readership and continual adaptation for stage and screen. Beyond literature, he became a prominent public figure, engaging vigorously with contemporary debates about justice, empire, and spiritual belief.
Education and Literary Influences
Doyle was born in Edinburgh and educated at Stonyhurst College before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh Medical School in the late 1870s and early 1880s. While training as a doctor, he began selling short stories to magazines, balancing clinical duties with literary ambitions. A formative professional influence was Dr. Joseph Bell, a celebrated Edinburgh surgeon noted for deducing patients’ histories from observation—an approach Doyle later acknowledged as a model for Holmes’s method. Early experiences as a ship’s surgeon and in general practice gave him firsthand knowledge of medicine, maritime life, and human behavior, material he transformed into compelling narrative detail.
Doyle’s detective fiction reflects a lineage traceable to Edgar Allan Poe’s analytic tales, while his fascination with clues and method shows his familiarity with Émile Gaboriau’s Monsieur Lecoq. His historical novels stand in the broad tradition of romantic history associated with Walter Scott, whose example helped validate the novel as a vehicle for recreating past eras with color and moral complexity. The robust periodical culture of Victorian and Edwardian Britain further shaped his craft, encouraging concise plotting, memorable characterization, and serial suspense. These influences combined with his medical training to produce a style that prized observation, inference, and narrative momentum.
Literary Career
Doyle’s first novel featuring Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in a Christmas annual in the late 1880s, introducing readers to Holmes’s forensic reasoning and Dr. Watson’s grounded narrative voice. The Sign of the Four followed soon after, deepening the partnership’s appeal. Short stories for magazines quickly amplified Holmes’s fame; the episodic format allowed elegant puzzles, vivid settings, and recurring secondary characters. Doyle’s crisp prose, attention to physical evidence, and knack for memorable villains and atmospheres distinguished his work from contemporaries. Although he maintained a medical practice early on, commercial success with fiction gradually enabled him to devote himself primarily to writing.
By the early 1890s, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes made Holmes a phenomenon. Seeking to redirect his energies toward historical fiction, Doyle attempted to conclude the series with “The Final Problem,” which sent Holmes over the Reichenbach Falls. Public reaction was intense; mourning bands were reportedly worn, and readers implored the author to reconsider. After a hiatus, Doyle returned to the character with The Hound of the Baskervilles—set earlier in the canon—and then The Return of Sherlock Holmes. The oscillation between retirement and revival underscored both Doyle’s ambivalence and the extraordinary hold Holmes had on the public imagination.
Doyle’s ambitions extended far beyond Baker Street. He wrote historical romances such as Micah Clarke, The White Company, and Sir Nigel, demonstrating meticulous period research and chivalric themes he rated highly within his oeuvre. He also produced the Brigadier Gerard tales, spirited Napoleonic adventures with comic verve. In science romance, the Professor Challenger series—beginning with The Lost World—offered speculative exploration and scientific wonder. Doyle experimented with drama, overseeing stage adaptations and collaborating with prominent actors. He wrote journalism and war commentary, using clear, forceful prose to interpret contemporary conflicts and to defend positions he believed served national and moral interests.
Critically, Doyle received both popular acclamation and nuanced appraisal. While many readers prized the ingenious clockwork of the Holmes stories, some critics and the author himself often esteemed the historical romances as more substantial achievements. Over time, scholars have credited Doyle with codifying elements of the detective genre: the centrality of physical clues, the faithful yet limited narrator, and the interplay between scientific method and human psychology. His work thrived in the magazine economy and in book form, securing international audiences. The durability of his characters on stage and screen further cemented his status as a foundational figure in modern popular literature.
Beliefs and Advocacy
Doyle’s worldview blended scientific training with an openness to metaphysical inquiry. Early Holmes tales celebrate rational inference and empirical testing, reflecting medical habits of mind. After the First World War, he became an outspoken Spiritualist, writing The New Revelation, The Vital Message, and a two-volume History of Spiritualism. He lectured widely, defending the possibility of communication with the dead and the integrity of mediums he endorsed. His book The Coming of the Fairies discussed the Cottingley photographs, which he publicly supported at the time. This advocacy drew both followers and critics, marking a striking counterpoint to his earlier literary emphasis on skepticism.
Doyle used his prominence to pursue causes of justice. He investigated the case of George Edalji, whose wrongful conviction he challenged through sustained analysis and public pressure, helping to prompt reconsideration. He later took interest in the Oscar Slater case, similarly pressing for redress. His investigative instincts—assessing evidence, probing inconsistencies, and appealing to reason—echoed techniques popularized in his fiction. Doyle also entered public life more formally, standing for Parliament as a Liberal Unionist on two occasions in the early twentieth century, though he was not elected. He was knighted in the early 1900s, widely associated with his services and writings related to the South African War.
Doyle’s advocacy extended to vigorous public debate. He defended Spiritualism against skeptics, including the celebrated stage magician Harry Houdini, with whom he corresponded and later differed sharply on the nature of mediumistic phenomena. He also wrote on military and civic matters, addressing national preparedness and the ethics of warfare. Across these activities, a consistent ethic emerges: confidence in inquiry, a commitment to fairness in legal processes, and a belief that moral conviction warrants public engagement. The same qualities—clarity, determination, and a readiness to test claims—animate both his protagonists and his nonfiction, linking his literary practice with his civic interventions.
Final Years & Legacy
In his later years, Doyle continued to publish fiction while dedicating significant energy to Spiritualist lectures and organization. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes gathered some of his final detective stories in the late 1920s, showing a darker tone and evolving social concerns. Travel and campaigning took a toll on his health, but he remained publicly active. He died in 1930 at his home in England. Obituaries emphasized his imaginative power and the indelible creation of Holmes, while also noting the breadth of his output. Admirers and critics alike recognized a life spent straddling science, storytelling, and the search for meaning.
Doyle’s legacy is vast. Sherlock Holmes became a global archetype, shaping detective fiction’s logic of evidence, the sidekick narrator, and the allure of the brilliant outsider. Generations of writers and screen adaptations have reinterpreted Holmes, while readers sustain an active critical and fan culture. Beyond Holmes, The Lost World enriched scientific adventure, and the historical romances continue to attract scholarly attention. His real-world interventions in miscarriages of justice anticipate the modern use of investigative journalism and expert review. Today he stands as a central architect of popular narrative technique, his work bridging Victorian print culture and contemporary multimedia storytelling.
Synopsis (Selection)
CAPTAIN SHARKEY: HOW THE GOVERNOR OF SAINT KITT'S CAME HOME
Captain Sharkey, a cunning and ruthless pirate, navigates the treacherous waters of both the ocean and political intrigue as he faces the governor's return and the consequences of his nefarious deeds.
THE DEALINGS OF CAPTAIN SHARKEY WITH STEPHEN CRADDOCK
In this tale, Captain Sharkey confronts Stephen Craddock, a shipmate turned adversary, showcasing themes of betrayal and the harsh realities of pirate life.
THE BLIGHTING OF SHARKEY
This story explores the downfall of Captain Sharkey as his ruthless pursuits lead to unforeseen calamity, capturing the irony of his fate in the face of his own villainy.
HOW COPLEY BANKS SLEW CAPTAIN SHARKEY
Copley Banks’s quest for vengeance culminates in a dramatic confrontation with Captain Sharkey, revealing the brutal nature of vengeance and the pirate's code.
THE 'SLAPPING SAL'
A suspenseful account of a peculiar ship, the 'Slapping Sal', which becomes the site of mystery, daring exploits, and a pirate's life on the run.
A PIRATE OF THE LAND - ONE CROWDED HOUR
Set on land rather than the sea, this narrative follows a pirate who faces moral dilemmas and the chaos of a single, intense hour that defines his fate.
THE STRIPED CHEST
A mysterious chest that appears to possess great power leads to greed, conflict, and a fateful journey among pirates, showcasing the lure of treasure.
THE CAPTAIN OF THE 'POLESTAR'
A haunting tale involving the captain of the 'Polestar', unraveling psychological tension and existential contemplation amidst isolation at sea.
THE FIEND OF THE COOPERAGE
This chilling story revolves around a nefarious character linked to a cooperage, exploring themes of madness and moral decay among sailors.
JELLAND'S VOYAGE
Jelland's adventurous voyage reveals the perils of the sea and encounters with both fantastical elements and brutal realities of naval life.
J. HABAKUK JEPHSON'S STATEMENT
This narrative takes a unique perspective, presenting a personal account that challenges perceptions of piracy and morality on the high seas.
THAT LITTLE SQUARE BOX
A mystery unfolds around a seemingly innocuous box, illustrating how appearance can deceive and leading to consequential revelations.
THE END
Concluding the anthology, this piece reflects on the tales told, encapsulating themes of adventure, moral ambiguity, and the timeless allure of pirate lore.
Tales of Pirates and Blue Water
CAPTAIN SHARKEY: HOW THE GOVERNOR OF SAINT KITT'S CAME HOME
When the great wars of the Spanish Succession had been brought to an end by the Treaty of Utrecht, the vast number of privateers which had been fitted out by the contending parties found their occupation gone. Some took to the more peaceful but less lucrative ways of ordinary commerce, others were absorbed into the fishing-fleets, and a few of the more reckless hoisted the Jolly Roger at the mizzen and the bloody flag at the main, declaring a private war upon their own account against the whole human race.
With mixed crews, recruited from every nation, they scoured the seas, disappearing occasionally to careen in some lonely inlet, or putting in for a debauch at some outlying port, where they dazzled the inhabitants by their lavishness and horrified them by their brutalities.
On the Coromandel Coast, at Madagascar, in the African waters, and above all in the West Indian and American seas, the pirates were a constant menace; With an insolent luxury they would regulate their depredations by the comfort of the seasons, harrying New England in the summer and dropping south again to the tropical islands in the winter.
They were the more to be dreaded because they had none of that discipline and restraint which made their predecessors, the Buccaneers, both formidable and respectable. These Ishmaels of the sea rendered an account to no man, and treated their prisoners according to the drunken whim of the moment. Flashes of grotesque generosity alternated with longer stretches of inconceivable ferocity, and the skipper who fell into their hands might find himself dismissed with his cargo, after serving as boon companion in some hideous debauch, or might sit at his cabin table with his own nose and his lips served up with pepper and salt in front of him. It took a stout seaman in those days to ply his calling in the Caribbean Gulf.
Such a man was Captain John Scarrow, of the ship Morning Star, and yet he breathed a long sigh of relief when he heard the splash of the falling anchor and swung at his moorings within a hundred yards of the guns of the citadel of Basseterre. St. Kitt's was his final port of call, and early next morning his bowsprit would be pointed for Old England. He had had enough of those robber-haunted seas. Ever since he had left Maracaibo upon the Main, with his full lading of sugar and red pepper, he had winced at every topsail which glimmered over the violet edge of the tropical sea. He had coasted up the Windward Islands, touching here and there, and assailed continually by stories of villainy and outrage.
Captain Sharkey, of the 20-gun pirate barque, Happy Delivery, had passed down the coast, and had littered it with gutted vessels and with murdered men. Dreadful anecdotes were current of his grim pleasantries and of his inflexible ferocity. From the Bahamas to the Main his coal-black barque, with the ambiguous name, had been freighted with death and many things which are worse than death. So nervous was Captain Scarrow, with his new full-rigged ship and her full and valuable lading, that he struck out to the west as far as Bird's Island to be out of the usual track of commerce. And yet even in those solitary waters he had been unable to shake off sinister traces of Captain Sharkey.
One morning they had raised a single skiff adrift upon the face of the ocean. Its only occupant was a delirious seaman, who yelled hoarsely as they hoisted him aboard, and showed a dried-up tongue like a black and wrinkled fungus at the back of his mouth. Water and nursing soon transformed him into the strongest and smartest sailor on the ship. He was from Marblehead, in New England, it seemed, and was the sole survivor of a schooner which had been scuttled by the dreadful Sharkey.
For a week Hiram Evanson, for that was his name, had been adrift beneath a tropical sun. Sharkey had ordered the mangled remains of his late captain to be thrown into the boat, "as provisions for the voyage," but the seaman had at once committed them to the deep, lest the temptation should be more than he could bear. He had lived upon his own huge frame, until, at the last moment, the Morning Star had found him in that madness which is the precursor of such a death. It was no bad find for Captain Scarrow, for, with a short-handed crew, such a seaman as this big New Englander was a prize worth having. He vowed that he was the only man whom Captain Sharkey had ever placed under an obligation.
Now that they lay under the guns of Basseterre, all danger from the pirate was at an end, and yet the thought of him lay heavily upon the seaman's mind as he watched the agent's boat shooting out from the custom-house quay.
"I'll lay you a wager, Morgan," said he to the first mate, "that the agent will speak of Sharkey in the first hundred words that pass his lips."
"Well, captain, I'll have you a silver dollar, and chance it," said the rough old Bristol man beside him.
The negro rowers shot the boat alongside, and the linen-clad steersman sprang up the ladder.
"Welcome, Captain Scarrow!" he cried. "Have you heard about Sharkey?"
The captain grinned at the mate.
"What devilry has he been up to now?" he asked.
"Devilry! You've not heard, then! Why, we've got him safe under lock and key here at Basseterre. He was tried last Wednesday, and he is to be hanged tomorrow morning."
Captain and mate gave a shout of joy, which an instant later was taken up by the crew. Discipline was forgotten as they scrambled up through the break of the poop to hear the news. The New Englander was in the front of them with a radiant face turned up to heaven, for he came of the Puritan stock.
"Sharkey to be hanged" he cried. "You don't know, Master Agent, if they lack a hangman, do you?"
"Stand back!" cried the mate, whose outraged sense of discipline was even stronger than his interest at the news. "I'll pay that dollar, Captain Scarrow, with the lightest heart that ever I paid a wager yet. How came the villain to be taken?"
"Why, as to that, he became more than his own comrades could abide, and they took such a horror of him that they would not have him on the ship. So they marooned him upon the Little Mangles to the south of the Mysteriosa Bank, and there he was found by a Portobello trader, who brought him in. There was talk of sending him to Jamaica to be tried, but our good little governor, Sir Charles Ewan, would not hear of it. 'He's my meat,' said he, 'and I claim the cooking of it.' If you can stay till to-morrow morning at ten, you'll see the joint swinging."
"I wish I could," said the captain, wistfully, "but I am sadly behind time now. I should start with the evening tide."
"That you can't do," said the agent with decision. "The Governor is going back with you."
"The Governor!"
"Yes. He's had a dispatch from Government to return without delay. The fly-boat that brought it has gone on to Virginia. So Sir Charles has been waiting for you, as I told him you were due before the rains."
"Well, well!" cried the captain, in some perplexity, "I'm a plain seaman, and I don't know much of governors and baronets and their ways. I don't remember that I ever so much as spoke to one. But if it's in King George's service, and he asks a cast in the Morning Star as far as London, I'll do what I can for him. There's my own cabin he can have and welcome. As to the cooking, it's lobscouse and salmagundy six days in the week; but he can bring his own cook aboard with him if he thinks our galley too rough for his taste."
"You need not trouble your mind, Captain Scarrow," said the agent. "Sir Charles is in weak health just now, only clear of a quartan ague, and it is likely he will keep his cabin most of the voyage. Dr. Larousse said that he would have sunk had the hanging of Sharkey not put fresh life into him. He has a great spirit in him, though, and you must not blame him if he is somewhat short in his speech."
"He may say what he likes and do what he likes so long as he does not come athwart my hawse when I am working the ship," said the captain. "He is Governor of St. Kitt's, but I am Governor of the Morning Star. And, by his leave, I must weigh with the first tide, for I owe a duty to my employer, just as he does to King George."
"He can scarce be ready to-night, for he has many things to set in order before he leaves."
"The early morning tide, then."
"Very good. I shall send his things aboard to-night, and he will follow them to-morrow early if I can prevail upon him to leave St. Kitt's without seeing Sharkey do the rogue's hornpipe. His own orders were instant, so it may be that he will come at once. It is likely that Dr. Larousse may attend him upon the journey."
