
A weary captain and his battered crew find themselves stuck on the Nemesis, a massive steamship groaning under a fog‑laden November load. As the last crates are stowed, the seasoned skipper, once full of ambition, vents his bitterness toward the merciless shipping firm that has reduced his pay and stripped his mates of their certificates. The dialogue crackles with dry humor, revealing a world where old‑world pride clashes with modern corporate cruelty.
The second mate, a cynical veteran haunted by a disastrous fog‑bound collision, shares his own grievances, while the ship’s young deckhand watches the tension unfold. Their banter paints a vivid picture of life at sea—full of grudging camaraderie, resigned jokes, and the ever‑present threat of the relentless tide. Listeners are drawn into the cramped decks, the salty wind, and the absurdities that make this maritime tale both a comedy and a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who labor beneath the waves.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (248K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: Eveleigh Nash, 1906.
Credits
Al Haines
Release date
2022-08-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1857–1942
An adventurous English novelist and travel writer, he turned years of roaming at sea and abroad into vivid fiction and memoir. He is especially remembered for stories shaped by hard travel, sharp observation, and an independent streak.
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