Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 245

"Merle, the Middy; or, The Heir of an Ocean Freelance" by Col. Prentiss Ingraham, serialized in this 1882 Beadle and Adams dime novel. The narrative follows the flight of Montezuma the Merciless, now Prince of Persia, and his wife Mildred from the vengeful Prince Kaluta, who seeks both the throne and Mildred herself. Montezuma resolves to abandon power and sail for America aboard his yacht, the Nemesis. During their escape, they are pursued by Kaluta's armed cruiser. Mildred gives birth to their son, Merle, amid the chaos of pursuit. A naval battle ensues as the cruiser closes in, with Montezuma's small crew fighting to defend the yacht against Kaluta's superior numbers. The OCR text cuts off mid-battle.