Hunting the Skipper: The Cruise of the "Seafowl" Sloop

"Hunting the Skipper: The Cruise of the 'Seafowl' Sloop" by George Manville Fenn is an adventure story from the late 1800s that focuses on young naval officers Frank Murray and Dicky Roberts. Aboard the "Seafowl" ship, they patrol the coast of West Africa, facing heat and boredom while eager to stop ships trading slaves. At first, the story is presented with playful jokes and rivalries between the two officers, but it quickly shifts gears as their mission takes precedence. They spot a faraway boat, which puts plans for a thrilling capture into motion. Suspicion grows towards an American who offers assistance as the ship sails into dangerous, foggy areas. The story brings up issues of trust, the excitement of exploration, and questions of right and wrong during a dangerous time of colonialism.