
A quiet island school becomes the stage for a hidden transgression that threatens to unravel the reputation of its most esteemed pupils. When the headmaster summons the boys to confront a disgraceful act—an illicit night‑time encounter between a senior student and a servant girl—rumors swirl and suspicion tightens around the privileged few. The atmosphere crackles with the tension of authority, youthful recklessness, and the looming presence of the island’s strict legal traditions.
Amidst whispered accusations and the stark reality of a violent confrontation, the story explores how a single sin can ripple through a close‑knit community. Early chapters follow the boy’s upbringing, his family ties, and the moral dilemmas that arise when personal desire clashes with societal expectations. Listeners are drawn into a vivid portrait of the Isle of Man, where honor, law, and conscience intersect, setting the stage for a gripping examination of guilt and redemption.
Language
en
Duration
~17 hours (986K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Al Haines
Release date
2020-04-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1853–1931
Best known for sweeping, emotional novels set in Britain and the Isle of Man, this late-Victorian bestseller reached a huge international audience and saw several of his stories adapted for the stage and screen.
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