
A vivid portrait of a world caught between the clang of muskets and the quiet yearning of young hearts, this novel opens on the bustling shores of a North‑American fort where soldiers, travelers, and hopeful lovers converge. The narrative introduces Ensign John à Cleeve, a disciplined officer whose sense of duty is suddenly stirred by an unexpected attraction, setting the stage for a story where honor and affection wrestle for supremacy.
Through richly described landscapes—forests that echo with the distant chatter of steamers, lakes rimmed by bustling towns, and the lingering presence of Indigenous scouts—the author weaves a tapestry of camaraderie forged in schoolrooms and rekindled on the battlefield. As old schoolmates reunite and their sons embark on new adventures, the tale promises a nuanced exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the delicate balance between personal desire and the demands of service.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (397K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Lionel Sear
Release date
2007-02-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1944
Best known by the pen name “Q,” this Cornish writer brought both adventure and literary wisdom to generations of readers. He wrote novels and stories steeped in the sea and the West Country, and later became one of England’s most influential anthologists and critics.
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