Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 972

This 1896 pulp serial by T. J. Flanagan, titled "Fighting Jack's Middies," comprises a naval adventure story set during the War of 1812. The prologue concerns the death of Mrs. White, proprietress of an inn in New York, who reveals to her adopted son Raoul (known as Tom White) a family secret: his real father discovered pirate treasure, was killed by mutineers during a voyage, and his mother escaped with a music-box containing a map and papers. After Mrs. White dies, a Spanish lodger named Moredo overhears the revelation, steals the box, and murders Tom in his escape attempt. Chapter One shifts to Boston in October 1812, introducing a bullying British officer named Carden on parole after the Guerriere's capture by the Constitution. Carden has killed men in duels through deliberate provocations. When a well-dressed young man takes a seat by the fire, the officers identify him as the quiet but formidable Lieutenant Shubrick, nicknamed "Fighting Jack," anticipating a confrontation with the bully.