Captain Sharkey: how the Governor of Saint Kitt'

Name: Captain Sharkey: how the Governor of Saint Kitt's Came Home
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of the Spanish Succession wars, where privateers, having lost their purpose, either turned to legitimate trade or embraced piracy. Among the latter is Captain Sharkey, a notorious pirate whose brutal reputation instills fear across the Caribbean. Captain John Scarrow, a seasoned seaman of the ship _Morning Star_, arrives at St. Kitt's, eager to return to England with his valuable cargo, having narrowly avoided the dangers posed by Sharkey. Upon reaching port, Scarrow learns from the local agent that Sharkey has been captured and is to be hanged the next day. The news brings relief to Scarrow and his crew, who celebrate the pirate's impending demise. The agent informs Scarrow that the Governor of St. Kitt's, Sir Charles Ewan, will be traveling back to England on his ship. Despite his initial reluctance, Scarrow agrees to accommodate the Governor, who is in poor health. The next morning, Sir Charles boards the _Morning Star_, appearing frail and eccentric. As they set sail, the Governor's spirits lift, and he becomes a lively companion, sharing stories and engaging with the crew. The ship's journey across the Atlantic is marked by camaraderie, with Sir Charles recovering his strength and becoming increasingly animated. However, the narrative takes a dark turn when it is revealed that Sharkey has escaped execution. Disguised as the Governor, he boards the ship with his accomplice, Roaring Ned Galloway. The crew is caught off guard, and Sharkey reveals his true identity, holding Scarrow and the mate at gunpoint. Despite their attempts to resist, they are overpowered, and Scarrow is bound and left behind as Sharkey and Galloway escape in a dinghy. Scarrow manages to free himself and raises the alarm, but the pirates have already fled, leaving him and his crew stranded. The story concludes with the realization of their dire situation, as the _Morning Star_ drifts helplessly while Sharkey and Galloway vanish into the night, leaving a sense of foreboding about the fate of those who cross paths with the infamous pirate.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1897 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Action · 6,527 words

First lines

When the great wars of the Spanish Succession had been brought to an end by the Treaty of Utrecht, the vast number of privateers which had been fitted out by the contending parties found their occupation gone. Some took to the more peaceful but less lucrative ways of ordinary commerce, others were absorbed into the fishing-fleets, and a few of the more reckless hoisted the Jolly Rodger at the mizzen and the bloody flag at the main, declaring a private war upon their own account against the whole human race.

What this Textopian page supports

Captain Sharkey: how the Governor of Saint Kitt's Came Home is listed on Textopian as a novella by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1897 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1897 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Action, Drama, Thriller
Length: 6,527 words
Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around piracy, sea voyages, and the dangers of the high seas, typical of adventure narratives.
Historical Fiction — Set during the aftermath of the Spanish Succession War, it incorporates historical events and figures.
Action — Features intense action sequences involving piracy, battles, and confrontations.
Drama — Explores themes of morality, justice, and human nature through character interactions and conflicts.