Denis Dent A Novel
Oct 2021 · Otbebookpublishing
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187
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About this ebook
Excerpt: ""Land ahead!" The North Foreland had been made advisedly snug for the night. In the middle watch she was under her three lower topsails and fore topmast staysail only. Not that it blew very hard, but the night was dark and hazy, with a heavy swell. And it was the last night of the voyage. At eight bells there had been a cast of the deep-sea lead, with the significant result that the skipper had been the first to turn in; gradually the excited passengers had followed his example, instead of staying on deck to see the Otway light. The second mate had said there would be no Otway that night, and what the second said was good enough for most. The saloon skylight had become a clean-edged glimmer in the middle of the poop, the binnacle a fallen moon; not a port-hole twinkled on the rushing ink; and the surviving topsails, without visible stitch or stick aloft or alow, hovered over the ship like gigantic bats. Four persons remained upon the poop: the middy of the watch, tantalized by muffled guffaws from the midshipmen's berth in the after-house; the man at the wheel, in eclipse above the belt, with the binnacle light upon one weather-beaten hand; and on the weather side, the second mate in reluctant conversation with a big cigar that glowed at intervals into a bearded and spectacled face, the smooth brown one of the young officer sharing the momentary illumination. "It's all very well," said the senior man, in low persistent tones, "but if we don't have it out now, when are we to? You know what it will be like to-morrow: we shall land first thing, and you'll be the busiest man on board. As for the rules of the ship, if an owner can't use his discretion he might as well travel by some other line.""
About the author
Ernest William Hornung, born on June 7, 1866, in Middlesbrough, England, is best remembered for his creation of the gentleman thief, A.J. Raffles. Hornung's literary career is marked by his innovative twist on the crime genre, where he inverted the traditional detective story by making his protagonist a charming and morally ambiguous criminal. This subversive approach not only captivated readers but also influenced contemporary writers, including his brother-in-law, Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.Hornung's life was as adventurous as his fiction. He spent significant time in Australia, which profoundly influenced his writing and provided a rich backdrop for many of his stories. His experiences Down Under lent authenticity and vibrancy to his narratives, setting him apart from his peers.A notable controversy in Hornung's career was the ethical ambiguity of his hero, Raffles. At a time when literature often depicted clear moral dichotomies, Hornung's character blurred the lines between right and wrong, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of morality and justice.Hornung's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his works paved the way for the anti-heroes and complex characters that populate modern literature. His exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the duality of human nature resonates with contemporary audiences, making his contributions to literature both timeless and revolutionary.E.W. Hornung's legacy is one of daring innovation and profound impact, ensuring his place in the annals of literary history.
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