The Wrecking Master
Jul 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
91
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About this ebook
Excerpt: ""A thick night and no mistake, Dan. It's as black as the face of a Nassau pilot. We ought to be nearing the coal wharf by now. Of course they wouldn't have sense enough to leave a light on it to give us our bearings." Captain Jim Wetherly was growling through the window of the darkened wheel-house to his deck-hand, young Dan Frazier, as the oceangoing tug Resolute felt her way up the harbor of Pensacola. She had towed a dismasted bark into port after a long and stubborn tussle with wind and sea, and her master was in haste to fill the empty bunkers and drive her home to Key West, five hundred miles across the blue Gulf. The mate and several of the crew had gone ashore for the evening, the fat and grizzled chief[Pg 4] engineer was loafing on the deck below, and Captain Wetherly was somewhat consoled to have a sympathetic listener in his youngest deck-hand. This Dan Frazier was his nephew, not long out of the Key West High School, and trying his hand at seafaring in the Resolute as the first chance which had offered to ease his mother's task of caring for him. In the presence of any of the vessel's company, discipline was observed between the two with a respectful "aye, aye, sir," or "no, sir," on Dan's part, but now when they were alone on deck Dan felt free to reply: "It's strange water to me, Uncle Jim. I shouldn't wonder if the old Resolute felt timid about poking around a crowded harbor on a thick night. What she likes best is plenty of sea-room with a wreck piled hard and fast on the Florida Reef and a fighting chance to pull it off. I wish I could have been on board when you were taking hold of that big Italian steamer last spring. The men say they thought the Resolute was going to yank the engines clean out of her before you let go on the last haul that dragged the wreck clear of the Reef. Is it true that Bill[Pg 5] McKnight clamped the safety-valve down and said it was up to Providence to see that his boilers didn't blow up?""
Excerpt: ""A thick night and no mistake, Dan. It's as black as the face of a Nassau pilot. We ought to be nearing the coal wharf by now. Of course they wouldn't have sense enough to leave a light on it to give us our bearings." Captain Jim Wetherly was growling through the window of the darkened ...
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About the author
Ralph Delahaye Paine (1871-1925) was an American journalist and author whose adventurous spirit and vivid storytelling captivated readers in the early 20th century. Born in Lemont, Illinois, Paine's early life was marked by a restless curiosity that led him to Yale University, where he became a member of the prestigious Skull and Bones society. His tenure at Yale, however, was cut short due to a scandal involving a prank that led to his expulsion—a controversy that only added to his roguish allure.Paine's career as a journalist took him to the front lines of the Spanish-American War, where he served as a correspondent. His firsthand experiences in conflict zones lent authenticity and urgency to his writing, making him a sought-after war correspondent. Transitioning from journalism to fiction, Paine's works often revolved around themes of adventure, maritime exploits, and the indomitable human spirit. His ability to blend factual accuracy with compelling narratives earned him a loyal readership.A contemporary of Jack London and Joseph Conrad, Paine's influence on the adventure genre was significant. He championed the idea of the rugged individualist, a theme that resonated deeply in an America grappling with rapid industrialization and social change. His tales of high seas and heroic endeavors provided an escapist thrill while subtly critiquing the encroaching modernity of his time.Paine's legacy is one of a daring storyteller who lived as boldly as his characters, leaving an indelible mark on American literature. His life and works continue to intrigue modern readers, offering a window into a bygone era of exploration and adventure.
Ralph Delahaye Paine (1871-1925) was an American journalist and author whose adventurous spirit and vivid storytelling captivated readers in the early 20th century. Born in Lemont, Illinois, Paine's early life was marked by a restless curiosity that led him to Yale University, where he became a m...
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