Light Freights

"Light Freights" by W. W. Jacobs is a collection of humorous short stories written in the early 20th century. This work captures the idiosyncrasies and adventures of various characters, primarily set within the working-class milieu of England, showcasing Jacobs’ keen sense of wit and playful narrative style. The stories promise to deliver a mix of comedic situations and character-driven anecdotes, often centered around sailors, their exploits, and the whimsical challenges they encounter. The opening of "Light Freights" introduces readers to a group of ship firemen who engage in a humorous discussion about money and their struggles to make ends meet after being paid off. The narrative centers on a character named Sam Small and his mischievous plans involving his nephew, nicknamed "Beauty." Their lighthearted banter quickly escalates into a scheme to sell Beauty as a "wild man of Borneo" for a quick profit, setting the stage for a series of comedic misadventures. This introductory scene establishes Jacobs' humorous tone while hinting at the absurd and unpredictable nature of the stories that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Wymark Jacobs was an English author of short fiction and drama. He is best known for his story "The Monkey's Paw".