Jelland's Voyage

Name: Jelland's Voyage
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in 1860s Japan, a period marked by political turmoil and uncertainty. The protagonist, Jelland, is a clerk for a European merchant, Randolph Moore, who is often absent. Jelland's gambling addiction leads him to financial ruin, dragging his impressionable partner, McEvoy, into a web of deceit. After losing their employer's money at the gaming tables, they concoct a plan to embezzle funds and escape on a small yacht, the _Matilda_. As they prepare for their flight, Jelland's manipulative nature becomes evident. He convinces McEvoy to join him in their desperate scheme, promising that they can replace the stolen money before it is discovered. They successfully purchase the _Matilda_ and set sail, but their journey quickly turns dire as they become becalmed at sea. Meanwhile, Moore discovers the theft and rushes to confront his missing clerks. He learns of their escape and organizes a pursuit. As the police boat approaches, Jelland, realizing their imminent capture, offers McEvoy a choice: to take their own lives rather than face arrest. McEvoy, paralyzed by fear, cannot bring himself to do it. In a moment of desperation, Jelland takes the fatal action himself, leaving McEvoy in shock. The _Matilda_ unexpectedly catches a sudden storm, propelled by Jelland's lifeless body, and sails away into the tempest, leaving McEvoy to grapple with the consequences of their actions. The story concludes ambiguously, leaving Jelland's fate uncertain—whether he perished in the storm or was rescued remains a mystery, emphasizing the themes of moral ambiguity and the unpredictable nature of life.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1911 · Genre: Adventure, Crime, Drama · 3,830 words

First lines

"Well," said our Anglo-Jap as we all drew up our chairs round the smoking-room fire, "it's an old tale out yonder, and may have spilt over into print for all I know. I don't want to turn this club-room into a chestnut stall, but it is a long way to the Yellow Sea, and it is just as likely that none of you have ever heard of the yawl _Matilda_, and of what happened to Henry Jelland and Willy McEvoy aboard of her.

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Jelland's Voyage is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1911 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1911 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Historical Fiction
Length: 3,830 words
Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around a high-stakes journey at sea, involving themes of risk, escape, and survival.
Crime — The story involves theft, deception, and the consequences of criminal actions, focusing on the characters' moral dilemmas.
Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional conflicts, personal struggles, and the psychological impact of choices made by the characters.
Thriller — The tension builds as the protagonists face imminent danger and the threat of capture, creating a suspenseful atmosphere.