A novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on the adventures of Lieutenant Gerald Tregarthen, a young naval officer, who finds himself entangled in a series of mysterious events following the malfunction of his ship, the Calder. As he navigates both the seas and international intrigue, Tregarthen's journey promises excitement and unexpected challenges. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a sweltering August day in Portsmouth, where Tregarthen is about to embark on a much-anticipated boating holiday aboard the Playmate, owned by his friend Jack Stockton. However, upon reading alarming news about the cruiser Zieten, which fell victim to a mysterious electromagnetic storm, Tregarthen's plans are disrupted. After a series of unforeseen events, including a collision with a massive vessel, Tregarthen wakes up as a captive aboard the enigmatic cruiser Olijftak, controlled by the enigmatic Captain Brookes. As he begins to uncover the ship's capabilities and the nature of Brookes' intentions, readers are drawn into a compelling narrative filled with suspense and adventure.
