The promotion of the admiral, and other sea comedies

** "The Promotion of the Admiral and Other Sea Comedies" by Morley Roberts is a series of entertaining tales set on the sea, weaving together humor and adventure centered around Shanghai Smith, a clever boarding-house keeper with a score to settle. These stories, likely from the early 1900s, tell of Smith’s schemes, particularly his desire to get back at Admiral Richard Dunn, who embarrassed him in a past fight. The main plot kicks off when Smith hears Admiral Dunn is coming to San Francisco, setting off Smith's plan to kidnap the admiral and force him onto a miserable ship called the "California." Through mistaken identities and clashing worlds, the narrative becomes a lighthearted look at naval life mixed with the wildness of San Francisco's Barbary Coast, promising readers a collection of comical and engaging maritime adventures. **