The man is not angry, much less fearful; but his lips are quivering and his nostrils widening with a passion hitherto unknown. He sees the picture vividly–a majestic, gallant ship done to destruction; a rich, ruined seaman wandering on earth a broken heart in a dishonoured bosom. Not only a gallant ship, but a lifelong pride and the fulness of a heart’s desire swept recklessly into limbo. Here, at last, had his love revealed itself.

“No, by God, she SHALL not perish!”

With a rapid movement he gains the fo’castle, and roars into it, “All hands ’bout ship! Quick now, for your very lives!” (more…)

The two looked at each other narrowly. “If you can get any one to do it, of course it can be done. But _I_ would sooner–”

“Now before you judge, hear me, Captain. I feel sure you could find that man if you chose. See; the Chrysolite is insured in the Jupiter Insurance Company for nine thousand pounds. Here is the policy. And the man that saves her from the axe, and makes a picturesque wreck of her, will earn the gratitude of Messrs. Ruin & Ruin, and three thousand pounds besides.”

For once even the remnants of a smile had disappeared from the senior partner’s face, and he stood confessed–the type of a cool financial scoundrel. (more…)

Captain Anderson stood alone in the world. But he was one who COULD stand alone, for his will was strong and his affections were weak. Those who thought they knew him best said he was hardy. The remainder said he was hard, his heart a stone. Still he was a human being, for, like others, he cherished hobbies. His hobbies, however, were not of that class which is compassed about by rest and roses. Instead, they were clothed with a stern delight born of defiance and danger. To work his ship across the Bay in the teeth of an adverse gale; to weather a lee shore; to master a rebellious crew single-handed—these were the wild diversions which satisfied him. Once, in the China seas, his men grew mutinous, said the ship was “leaking like a lobster-pot,” and straightway put her about for Singapore; swore they did not care what the skipper thought–in fact, would like to talk to him a bit. The skipper was below when the first mate brought down the news and a very pale face as well. (more…)