Derval Hampton: A Story of the Sea, Volume 2 (of 2)

"Derval Hampton: A Story of the Sea, Volume 2" by James Grant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the life and adventures of Derval Hampton, a young naval officer, as he navigates various challenges at sea and confronts both external dangers and personal enemies. The narrative is set against a backdrop of maritime life, combining elements of action, intrigue, and character conflict. The opening portion introduces Derval as he prepares for new voyages aboard the ship "Amethyst". Upon boarding, he encounters hostility from Reeve Rudderhead, an unpleasant first mate and cousin of Derval's stepmother, who has his own nefarious motives. The tension quickly escalates as Rudderhead displays cruelty and aims to undermine Derval, setting the stage for a brewing conflict. The narrative hints at dark secrets and implications of treachery, particularly linked to Derval's family dynamics, which introduce a sense of foreboding that foreshadows subsequent events. Overall, the beginning presents a strong sense of impending adventure while establishing the interpersonal struggles central to the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Grant (1822–1887) was a Scottish novelist and miscellaneous writer.