
Set against the restless waters of the China Sea, this tale follows a seasoned mariner who, after the death of his long‑time captain, decides to record the wild night aboard the aging steamer Kut Sang. The ship itself feels like a living character—its scarred hull, red‑banded funnel, and lingering scent of burned rice all hint at a long, hard service. Alongside a motley crew that includes a red‑haired beggar, a Malay cabin‑boy with a kris, and a hardened Newfoundlander, the narrator paints a vivid picture of life on a cargo vessel that never quite fits the glamorous image of liners.
In the opening act, a sudden storm and a mysterious, murderous plot thrust the crew into a desperate struggle for survival. The narrative captures the tension of night‑to‑day combat, the fear of the sea, and the gritty bravery of men who know that admitting defeat is not an option. Listeners will feel the creaking decks, the smell of the galley fire, and the relentless pull of a ship that seems both cursed and beloved.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (364K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1881–1947
A journalist-novelist who turned years of reporting in Asia and North Africa into fast-moving adventure stories and vivid travel writing. His work blends on-the-ground observation with the pace and color of popular fiction.
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