The Kidnapped President

"The Kidnapped President" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Dick Helmsworth, a chief officer in the shipping industry, who finds himself embroiled in intrigue and conspiracy after being unfairly discharged from his position by a vindictive captain. He becomes involved with a mysterious Spaniard, Don Guzman de Silvestre, who offers him a lucrative but perilous opportunity to assist in the deportation of a South American president. The beginning of the book introduces us to Helmsworth's seafaring life and the dissatisfaction he feels after a tumultuous voyage under Captain Harveston. As he navigates the complexities of ship duties and unwarranted complaints from his captain, we witness Helmsworth's growing frustration. This culminates in his dismissal from the shipping company, leading to his chance encounter with Don Guzman, who proposes a daring plan to reclaim political power in his homeland by using Helmsworth's unique skills. This intriguing setup suggests a blend of adventure, political intrigue, and personal stakes that promise an engaging narrative ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Guy Newell Boothby was a prolific Australian novelist and writer, noted for sensational fiction in variety magazines around the end of the nineteenth century. He lived mainly in England. He is best known for such works as the Dr Nikola series, about an occultist criminal mastermind who is a Victorian forerunner to Fu Manchu, and Pharos, the Egyptian, a tale of Gothic Egypt, mummies' curses and supernatural revenge. Rudyard Kipling was his friend and mentor, and his books were remembered with affection by George Orwell.