The other Englishman
The narrative unfolds through the perspective of an English traveler aboard the _San Miguel_, a steamer bound for various ports along the Spanish coast. The protagonist, seeking leisure, encounters a fellow Englishman named Sleigh, the ship's engineer, whose demeanor is suspicious and untrustworthy. Their initial conversation reveals Sleigh's involvement in smuggling, hinting at a darker undercurrent to his character. As the ship makes its way to Alicante and then to Carthagena, the protagonist experiences a series of unsettling events, including a mysterious intrusion into his cabin during the night. He discovers that a fugitive, wanted for his involvement in a recent mutiny, has taken refuge in his cabin. This man, desperate and fearful, reveals his identity and intentions to escape to Tangier. Sleigh's predatory nature becomes increasingly apparent as he attempts to extort money from the fugitive, threatening to expose him to the authorities. The protagonist, caught between his moral compass and the danger posed by Sleigh, devises a plan to help the fugitive escape. He offers his own clothes and passport, hoping to mislead the authorities and protect the man from capture. As the ship approaches Carthagena, tensions rise. The protagonist's plan hinges on timing and deception, as he must navigate the arrival of police who are on the lookout for the fugitive. In a climactic moment, he confronts Sleigh, accusing him of smuggling and drawing the attention of the police to Sleigh's illicit activities. This diversion allows the fugitive to escape detection. Ultimately, the protagonist's quick thinking and bravery lead to Sleigh's arrest, while the fugitive manages to evade capture. The story concludes with the protagonist reflecting on the moral complexities of his actions and the nature of justice, as he departs the ship, leaving behind the chaos and uncertainty of the events that transpired. The narrative explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the moral dilemmas faced in desperate circumstances, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous Spain.
By Stanley J. Weyman · First published 1895 · Genre: Adventure, Thriller, Mystery · 9,667 words
First lines
"You are English, I take it, sir?"
It was clear to me that the speaker was. I was travelling alone, and had not fallen in with three Englishmen in as many weeks. I turned to inspect the new-comer with a cordiality his smudged and smutty face could not wholly suppress. "I am," I answered, "and I am glad to meet a fellow-countryman."
What this Textopian page supports
The other Englishman is listed on Textopian as a novel by Stanley J. Weyman, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Stanley J. Weyman
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Thriller, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 9,667 words
- Structure: 1 section, 148 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The other Englishman by Stanley J. Weyman
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The other Englishman?
- How does this novel by Stanley J. Weyman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a journey filled with suspense, encounters, and the protagonist's navigation through danger and intrigue.
- Thriller — The story features elements of tension and danger, particularly with the presence of a fugitive and the threat of violence.
- Mystery — The narrative includes a sense of uncertainty and the need to uncover the truth about the other Englishman and his intentions.
- Historical Fiction — Set against a backdrop of historical events, the story reflects the socio-political climate of Spain during the time.
Tags
historical fiction · adventure · romance · mystery · 19th century · British literature · class struggle · identity · betrayal · loyalty · suspense · character development