
A modestly sized anthology that drifts from bustling ports to quiet back alleys, each tale captures a fleeting moment of ordinary lives brushed by the extraordinary. The stories are threaded with a gentle humor and an undercurrent of curiosity, inviting listeners to step into worlds where strangers become mirrors for hidden desires and anxieties. Across fifteen vignettes, the author paints vivid portraits of travelers, merchants, and locals, all set against the backdrop of early‑twentieth‑century far‑off lands.
The opening story follows Dawson, a diligent porter tasked with retrieving a hefty bronze figurine for a demanding Miss Paterson amid the sweltering streets of Mozambique. As night falls and a sudden rain begins, the bustling market transforms into a stage of quiet tension, where glances from enigmatic passers‑by hint at unseen dangers. The narrative balances witty dialogue with a palpable sense of place, promising more evocative episodes that linger long after the final sentence.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (471K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-03-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1879–1926
A South African-born writer and journalist, he turned wide travel and firsthand reporting into fiction, essays, and adventure stories. His work carries the energy of the early 20th century, shaped by life in Britain, Africa, and the United States.
View all books