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Across the Salt Seas: A Romance of the War of Succession

by John Bloundelle-Burton (1850–1917)

  • Free to read
  • 6 hours to read
  • 32 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Across the Salt Seas: A Romance of the War of Succession" by John Bloundelle-Burton is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the War of Succession, focusing on the adventures of Mervyn Crespin, a lieutenant in the Cuirassiers, as he embarks on a journey that intertwines intrigue, danger, and the quest for glory. The story examines themes of identity, the consequences of past deeds, and the perils faced by those navigating the treacherous waters of both the sea and their own histories. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the captain of the ship "La Mouche Noire", who is disturbed by the delirious musings of an elderly passenger, John Carstairs, whom he initially mistook for a dignified minister. The captain enlists Mervyn Crespin's help to calm the old man, whose feverish ramblings hint at a dark and turbulent past. As Crespin learns more about Carstairs, he uncovers strands of mystery related to treason, galleons, and potential piracy. This rich and atmospheric beginning sets the stage for Crespin's subsequent mission to Cadiz, foreshadowing challenges and thrilling encounters that will shape his fate amidst the war-torn landscape of the era.

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  • Spanish Succession, War of, 1701-1714

Read the opening

Chapter I

Dreams he of cutting foreign throats, of breaches, ambuscadoes, Spanish blades; of healths five fathoms deep.—Shakespeare.

"Phew!" said the captain of La Mouche Noire, as he came up to me where I paced the deck by the after binacle. "Phew! It is a devil in its death agonies. What has the man seen and known? Fore Gad! he makes me shudder!"

Then he spat to leeward—because he was a sailor; also, because he was a sailor, he squinted into the compass box, then took off his leather cap and wiped the warm drops from his forehead with the back of his hand.

"Death agonies!" I said. "So! it is coming to that. From what? Drinking, old age, or——"

"Both, and more. Yet, when I shipped him at Rotterdam, who would have thought it! Old and reverend-looking, eh, Mr. Crespin? White haired—silvery. I deemed him some kind of a minister—yet, now, hearken to him!"

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Contents

Show all 32 chapters
  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V
  6. Chapter VI
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX
  10. Chapter X
  11. Chapter XI
  12. Chapter XII
  13. Chapter XIII: "Dangers Worse Than Shot or Steel — Or Death."
  14. Chapter XIV: "It Is War Time! If It Must Be, It Must."
  15. Chapter XV: "Draw Swords!"
  16. Chapter XVI
  17. Chapter XVII
  18. Chapter XVIII
  19. Chapter XIX
  20. Chapter XX: "The Cowl Does Not Always Make the Monk."
  21. Chapter XXI
  22. Chapter XXII
  23. Chapter XXIII
  24. Chapter XXIV
  25. Chapter XXV: "As the Night Passeth Away."
  26. Chapter XXVI
  27. Chapter XXVII: "Liar, I Will Kill You!"
  28. Chapter XXVIII
  29. Chapter XXIX: "Let Us Kiss and Part."
  30. Chapter XXX
  31. Chapter XXXI
  32. Chapter XXXII: The End

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About this edition

This free edition of Across the Salt Seas: A Romance of the War of Succession by John Bloundelle-Burton comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #52102, released 2016-05-19. 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: Historical Novels, Romance, Adventure.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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