Four Bells: A Tale of the Caribbean

"Four Bells: A Tale of the Caribbean" by Ralph Delahaye Paine is a story about a young man named Richard Cary, a ship officer, who finds himself drawn to the sea's adventurous promise and the allure of the Caribbean. Leaving behind a quiet life and family obligations in New Hampshire, Cary accepts a second officer position on the "Tarragona", a passenger ship headed toward exotic places like Kingston and Cartagena. The narrative explores Cary's sense of duty, his developing connection to the romantic history of the sea, a stewardess named Teresa Fernandez, and hints at the transformative journey and romantic encounters that await him amidst a backdrop of travel, adventure, and cultural exploration in the Caribbean.