Officer and Man / 1901

Name: Officer and Man / 1901
Author: Louis Becke

The narrative follows an abrupt encounter aboard a naval ship preparing to depart a tropical port when a smooth, self-important local contractor and aspiring missionary demands a private audience to report the whereabouts of an alleged naval deserter. The admiral's impatience and the visitor's sanctimonious manner create a clash of motives as the man insists the matter cannot involve consul or local police and presses for confidential handling; the exchange highlights island social tensions, moral posturing, and the bureaucratic friction of naval life in an island outpost.

By Louis Becke

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About the Author

Louis Becke

Louis Becke was an Australian author known for his vivid storytelling and depictions of life in the South Seas. His works often draw on his own experiences as a sailor and trader in the Pacific Islands, blending adventure with rich cultural observations. Becke's notable titles include "Chinkie's Flat" and "Martin of Nitendi," which showcase his ability to create engaging narratives filled with local color and character. His writing reflects the complexities of colonial life and the natural beauty of the regions he explored, contributing significantly to the literary heritage of Australian literature.