
In this witty, turn‑of‑the‑century tale the legendary ferryman of the underworld enjoys a quiet Friday cruise down the Styx—until a gleaming, barn‑shaped house‑boat appears in his exclusive lane. Charon, proud of his monopoly on transporting souls, is both baffled and threatened by the luxurious craft, its polished deck and opulent interior hinting at a rival venture backed by powerful, perhaps even divine, interests.
The story follows the ferryman’s bemused investigation, mixing clever wordplay with a light‑hearted look at bureaucracy, ambition, and the absurdities of underworld commerce. As Charon grapples with the possibility of competition, the narrative teases a clash of old‑world tradition and new, extravagant entrepreneurship, all set against a backdrop of familiar mythic characters who pop up with dry humor and surprising modern sensibilities. Listeners are treated to a charming, gently satirical adventure that invites a smile at every turn.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (152K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2001-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1862–1922
A witty American humorist and editor, he turned ghosts, celebrities, and the afterlife into playgrounds for clever satire. His light, imaginative style became so distinctive that an entire kind of fantasy comedy came to be called "Bangsian" fantasy.
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