Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 909: Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher

The Pirate-Catcher; or, The Sea Rovers of '98 by T. J. Flanagan, published December 25, 1894, inaugurates a nautical adventure serial in Beadle and Adams's weekly.

Ben Darrel, a homeless youth living on Long Island, rescues Emily King from an amorous naval officer's unwanted advances on a New York roadway. Emily's brother, Captain Harry King, rewards Darrel's bravery by securing him a midshipman's appointment aboard the frigate United States. The ship departs for West Indian waters tasked with destroying French privateers menacing American commerce following the Revolution.

The narrative follows Darrel's integration into ship life, where his seamanship—gained handling his uncle's schooner—impresses Lieutenant Ballard. During the voyage, Darrel falls overboard. Midshipman Grace commands the rescue boat dispatched to retrieve him, though the chapter closes with their delayed return, leaving Darrel's fate uncertain.