The Three Correspondents

Name: The Three Correspondents
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Three correspondents, representing major London dailies, embark on a journey to cover military action in a desolate region. Mortimer, Scott, and the inexperienced Anerley navigate the harsh environment, discussing the competitive nature of their profession. They set up camp under palm trees, where they prepare a meal and share insights about their experiences in war reporting. As they rest, they encounter Merryweather, a railway engineer, who brings news of obstacles in the construction of a vital railway line. The correspondents debate the importance of their reports and the necessity of competition in their field. They express a mix of camaraderie and rivalry, each eager to secure the best story for their respective papers. Suddenly, they witness a plume of smoke, indicating potential danger. Merryweather's return raises suspicions of an attack by dervishes, leading to a tense atmosphere. The correspondents prepare for a possible confrontation, with Mortimer taking charge of organizing their defense. As gunfire erupts, they realize they are under attack, and the situation escalates into chaos. Anerley, caught in the fray, struggles with his weapon and ultimately finds himself in a life-threatening situation. Despite the danger, the two seasoned correspondents prioritize their reporting, leaving Anerley behind to fend for himself after he is injured in the skirmish. In the aftermath, Anerley seizes an opportunity to ride a captured camel, realizing its speed could help him reach the telegraph office first. He endures physical pain and exhaustion but remains determined to file his report. As he races against time, he reflects on the competitive nature of journalism and the significance of being the first to break the news. Upon reaching the telegraph station, Anerley manages to send his report just in time, while his colleagues arrive later, defeated and empty-handed. The story concludes with Anerley’s success, highlighting the cutthroat world of war correspondents and the lengths they go to secure their place in the press.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1922 · Genre: Adventure, War Fiction, Literary Fiction · 10,878 words

First lines

There was only the one little feathery clump of dom palms in all that great wilderness of black rocks and orange sand. It stood high on the bank, and below it the brown Nile swirled swiftly towards the Ambigole Cataract, fitting a little frill of foam round each of the boulders which studded its surface. Above, out of a naked blue sky, the sun was beating down upon the sand, and up again from the sand under the brims of the pith-hats of the horsemen with the scorching glare of a blast-furnace. It had risen so high that the shadows of the horses were no larger than themselves.

"Whew! " cried Mortimer, mopping his forehead, "you'd pay five shillings for this at the hummums."

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The Three Correspondents is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1922 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1922 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, War Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama
Length: 10,878 words
Structure: 1 section, 184 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around the experiences of war correspondents in a dangerous setting, highlighting themes of exploration and survival.
War Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of military conflict, focusing on the lives and challenges faced by journalists during a war.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is characterized by detailed descriptions and character development, exploring deeper themes of rivalry and ambition.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the realities of the time and the role of the press in war.