
audiobook
by William Henry Giles Kingston
Introduction.
Chapter One. - Preparing to start.
Chapter Two. - Heaving up the anchor.
Chapter Three. - Bill does good service.
Chapter Four. - The frigate blown up.
Chapter Five. - Picked up by a fishing-vessel.
Chapter Six. - Taken prisoners.
Chapter Seven. - Shut up in a tower.
Chapter Eight. - The escape—Concealed in a cavern.
Chapter Nine. - Visit to Captain Turgot’s cottage.
A young lad from a modest background steps aboard a war‑torn vessel, eager to trade the quiet of his village for the roar of cannon and the spray of the Atlantic. The narrative paints the bustling decks of the Royal Navy during the great wars, where duty outweighs glory and every crew member, from the powder‑monkey to the seasoned officer, shares a common purpose. Through vivid scenes of life at sea, listeners hear the clang of brass, the creak of rigging, and the constant hum of disciplined order that defines the naval world.
The story follows the boy’s early trials as he learns the harsh rhythms of battle, discovers the grit needed to survive a fierce clash with pirates, and earns the respect of his comrades through quick thinking and steadfast resolve. Mentors appear, offering hard‑won wisdom about honor, courage, and the responsibilities that come with each new rank. As the tide of war pushes the fleet forward, the youngster’s journey hints at a remarkable ascent, promising the listener an inspiring portrait of perseverance on the high seas.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (653K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-05-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1814–1880
Best known for lively sea stories and adventure tales, this Victorian writer helped shape generations of young readers' taste for travel, danger, and moral courage. His books drew on a life that stretched between London and Portugal, giving his fiction an outward-looking, international feel.
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