Ching Ching's Novelettes No. 1: Snapson of the 'Snake'

This penny dreadful serial, "Snapson of the 'Snake,'" depicts a maritime murder plot. Orphaned Will Fearon, heir to a substantial fortune, is delivered to Job Snapson, master of the decrepit trading brig Snake. Snapson has been hired by Will's grandfather, Mr. Warrington, to kill the boy at sea so the inheritance reverts to the grandfather. The narrative follows Will's arrival aboard ship and Snapson's initial attempts at intimidation—forcing the inexperienced boy aloft during rough seas and verbally abusing him. Will's defiant responses puzzle and frustrate Snapson. Two crew members, Dopper and Grip, recognize the plot and scheme to exploit it for their own gain. The text breaks off as Dopper is assigned to oversee Will's shipboard duties.