Cringle and cross-tree : Or, the sea swashes of a sailor

When Phil Farringford, a sturdy young man raised on the Missouri frontier, declares his yearning to go to sea, his father’s surprise sets the stage for a bold new chapter. Phil trades his carpenter’s tools for a sailor’s rope, boarding a merchant bark bound for the distant coasts of Africa. The early voyage introduces him to a rough‑shod crew whose habits test his resolve and his steadfast Christian principles.

On deck, Phil’s honesty and compassion begin to sway even the most wayward mates, hinting at the redemption that lies ahead. When a sinister plot involving a once‑common slaving trade surfaces, his sense of duty drives him to confront the danger, forging unexpected alliances among the crew. The story balances lively sea‑handlings with heartfelt moral lessons, offering listeners a vivid portrait of 19th‑century maritime life and the inner compass that guides a true sailor.