Four Gates by Amy Le Feuvre (1928)
"Captain Kettle on the War-Path" by Charles John Cutcliffe Wright Hyne follows the adventures of Captain Sir Owen Kettle, a retired sailor with a wooden leg, who is eager to contribute to the war effort during World War I. Despite his disability, Kettle is determined to take action against the Germans, whom he refers to as "Dutchmen." The story begins with Kettle's frustration at being unable to enlist in various military services due to his wooden leg. However, he is soon approached by Martin Carnforth, a Member of Parliament, who shares Kettle's desire to take direct action against the Germans. Carnforth proposes a plan to capture a German submarine that is expected to be off the coast of Ireland. Kettle, eager for adventure and to strike a blow against the enemy, agrees to join Carnforth in this clandestine mission. The two men embark on a journey across the Atlantic, traveling incognito to avoid detection. They eventually find themselves in New Orleans, where they must secure passage on a steamer that is believed to be meeting the German submarine. The story unfolds with a mix of espionage, naval tactics, and Kettle's characteristic boldness. Kettle's resourcefulness and determination are put to the test as he navigates the challenges of the mission, including dealing with a crew that is unaware of the true nature of their voyage and the threat posed by the German submarine. Throughout the narrative, Kettle's character is portrayed as a man of action, unafraid to take risks and confront danger head-on. His interactions with Carnforth and other characters highlight his no-nonsense attitude and his commitment to doing what he believes is right, regardless of the personal cost. The story is a blend of adventure and wartime intrigue, showcasing Kettle's ingenuity and bravery as he takes on the enemy in his own unique way.
By Amy Le Feuvre · First published 1928 · Genre: Adventure, Military Fiction, Nautical Fiction · 27 chapters · 110,390 words
First lines
"Who would be planted chooseth not the soil, Or here or there, Or loam or peat, Wherein he best may grow, And bring forth guerdon of the planter's toil.
"Lord, even so I ask one prayer, The which if it be granted- It skills not where Thou plantest me- Only-I would be planted. " T. E. BROWN.
"PAULINE, do you honestly like being in a backwater?"
"Backwaters have their uses."
What this Textopian page supports
Four Gates is listed on Textopian as a novel by Amy Le Feuvre, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Amy Le Feuvre
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Military Fiction, Nautical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Pulp Fiction
- Length: 110,390 words
- Structure: 27 chapters, 2,795 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Four Gates by Amy Le Feuvre
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative centers on daring exploits and high-stakes journeys.
- Military Fiction — The title and themes suggest involvement in warfare and strategic conflict.
- Nautical Fiction — The protagonist's role as a captain implies a maritime setting with ship-based adventures.
- Historical Fiction — The story likely draws on a historical backdrop, incorporating period details and conflicts.
Tags
Adventure · Naval · Maritime · War · Military · Action · Historical · Exploration · Sea · Journey · Heroism · Sailing
Contents
- Four Lives
- Facing West
- Facing North and East
- Facing South
- An Unfortunate Interview
- Unsuccessful Effort
- Beaten
- A Fresh Sphere
- An Invalid's Whim
- Older and Wiser
- An Ideal Teacher
- An Empty Shrine
- Confidences
- Battling Towards the Shore
- A Father and Child
- Wanted
- A Turn from the East
- The Helper
- Neglected Duty
- The Holidays
- Homeless
- Motherhood
- A Baby's Lifework
- An Unexpected Arrival
- Two Letters
- Come Back
- Summoned to Part