
Blow The Man Down: A Romance Of The Coast
by Holman Day (1865–1935)
- Free to read
- 9 hours to read
- 2 chapters
- Reading level: 6th grade
"Blow The Man Down: A Romance Of The Coast" by Holman Day is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the coastal and yachting life, the story revolves around Captain Boyd Mayo, who grapples with his emotions and sense of duty while entangled with Alma Marston, the daughter of his employer. The narrative captures themes of love and class distinction, emphasizing the captain's struggle to balance his feelings for Alma with the societal expectations and his role as a hired man. The opening of the novel introduces us to Captain Mayo, who is tormented by an overwhelming desire for Alma after an impulsive kiss. As the captain reflects on this moment, he battles feelings of shame and confusion about his place in her world, realizing that he is both drawn to and terrified by his emotions. The tension escalates as Alma expresses her feelings for him, complicating their relationship further with the intrusion of her father's expectations. The groundwork is laid for a compelling romantic tale, rich with emotional conflict, as Mayo navigates both the treacherous waters of the sea and the complexities of love.
- Ship captains
- Love stories
- Yachts
Read the opening
Blow the Man Down
I ~ CAPTAIN BOYD MAYO GETS OUT OF SOUNDINGS
When in safety or in doubt,
Always keep a safe lookout;
Strive to keep a level head,
Mind your lights and mind your lead.
—Pilot-house Ditty.
For days he had been afraid of that incredible madness of his as a man fears a nameless monster. But he was sure of his strength even while admitting his weakness. He was confident that he had the thing securely in leash.
Then all at once it happened!
Without preface of word or look he whirled and faced her, swept her into his arms and kissed her. He did not attempt to absolve himself or mitigate his offense by telling her that he loved her. He was voiceless—he could not control his speech. He did not dare to show such presumption as talk of love must seem to be to her. He knew he must not speak of love; such proffer to her would be lunacy. But this greater presumption, this blind capture of her in his arms—this was something which he had not intended any more than a sane man considers flight to the moon.
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About this edition
This free edition of Blow The Man Down: A Romance Of The Coast by Holman Day comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #24793, released 2008-03-09. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Romance, Novels, American Literature.
Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).