Middy and Ensign

"Middy and Ensign" by George Manville Fenn is a tale set in the late 1800s that follows Bob Roberts, a spirited midshipman, and Tom Long, an ensign, aboard the HMS Startler as it cruises the Parang River in the Malay Peninsula. The story explores their friendship and competition as they face the challenges of ship life and the local environment. The narrative highlights the lively atmosphere of the ship and the beautiful descriptions of the surrounding nature, while establishing the contrast between Bob and Tom's personalities and backgrounds, hinting at adventure and tension with the native population as their socioeconomic dynamics and a sense of looming danger adds layers to their journey of camaraderie and mischief amidst colonial life in an exotic world.