The House under the Sea

The narrative follows Jasper Begg, a seaman who embarks on a mysterious voyage to Ken's Island, driven by a promise made to Ruth Bellenden, a woman he once served as captain of her yacht. The story begins with Begg and his crew sailing from Southampton, unaware of their true destination. Upon sighting land after a long journey, Begg reveals that they are headed to Ken's Island, where Ruth now resides as the wife of Edmond Czerny, a Hungarian musician. As they arrive, Begg's intentions become clear: he aims to check on Ruth, who had expressed a desire to visit Europe. However, the crew is met with an eerie atmosphere, and superstitions about the island's dangers begin to surface. Begg's crew is curious about the strange occurrences surrounding the island, including a mysterious beacon and the superstitions of sailors. Upon reaching the island, Begg discovers that Ruth is unhappy in her marriage. She confides in him about her suffering and the oppressive nature of her husband, who has a dark secret involving the island's history and its connection to shipwrecks. Ruth's diary entries reveal her fears about the "sleep-time," a phenomenon that causes people to fall into a trance-like state, and the existence of a "house under the sea" where those affected may be taken. As the story unfolds, Begg and his crew face various dangers, including the threat of Czerny's men, who are protective of their master. A storm strikes the island, and the crew must navigate the treacherous conditions while trying to find a way to rescue Ruth and escape the island's grasp. The narrative builds tension as Begg confronts Czerny and his men, leading to a series of confrontations that test the crew's resolve. Ultimately, the story explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle for freedom against oppressive forces. Begg's determination to save Ruth and the crew's camaraderie in the face of danger highlight the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The tale culminates in a dramatic confrontation that will determine the fate of all involved, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they await the resolution of this gripping adventure.

By Max Pemberton · First published 1902 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery · 25 chapters

Contents

• In which Jasper Begg Makes Known the Purpose of his Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, and how it Came about that he Commissioned the Steam-Ship Southern Cross through Philips, Westbury, and Co
• We Go Ashore and Learn Strange Things
• In which Jasper Begg Makes up his Mind what to Do
• We Go Aboard, but Return Again
• Strange Sights Ashore, and what we Saw of Them
• Jasper Begg Meets his Old Mistress, and is Watched
• In which Help Comes from the Last Quarter we had Expected It
• The Bird's Nest in the Hills
• We Look out for the Southern Cross
• We are Surely Caged on Ken's Island
• Lights under the Sea
• The Dancing Madness
• The Storm
• A White Pool -- and Afterwards
• An Interlude, during which we Read in Ruth Bellenden's Diary Again
• Rosamunda and the Iron Doors
• In which Jasper Begg Enters the House under the Sea
• Chance Opens a Gate for Jasper Begg, and he Passes Through
• Which Shows that a Man who Thinks of Big Things Sometimes Forgets the Little Ones
• The First Attack is Made by Czerny's Men
• Which Brings in the Day and what Befell Therein
• The Beginning of the Sixty Hours
• The End of the Sixty Hours
• The Second Attack on Czerny's House
• In which the Sun-Time Comes Again

More by Max Pemberton

• The Ripening Rubies (1950)
• The Iron Pirate (1894)
• Aladdin of London (1900)
• The Man who Drove the Car (1914)
• The Lady Evelyn (1906)
• The Great White Army (1898)
• Jewel Mysteries (1898)
• The Garden of Swords (1894)
• All works by Max Pemberton