Adrian, the Pilot

This is Beadle and Adams' dime novel No. 282 (New Series No. 603), published in 1878. The primary content is "Adrian, the Pilot; or, The Island Wreckers," by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, a maritime adventure set in August 1811.

The narrative centers on Adrian Earle, an eighteen-year-old pilot of exceptional skill and character. While commanding the sloop Gipsy in Penobscot Bay, Adrian encounters a smuggling schooner captained by a charming but dissolute man. The smuggler captain requires a pilot for a voyage to Cisco Bay near Portland, Maine. Adrian accepts, secretly planning to expose the smuggler's operation. En route, he launches a small boat under pretense of scouting, visits an island cabin to contact a man named Jasper, and instructs him to alert the U.S. Navy warship President in Portland. Adrian then skillfully navigates the schooner up Cisco Bay and anchors near a fortress, positioning the vessel for capture. The narrative breaks off as the smuggler prepares to begin his expedition ashore. The issue also includes promotional material for "Dime Speakers" and "Dime Dialogues" collections for performances and recitations.