Beadle's Half Dime Library Vol. XL, No. 1020

This issue of Beadle and Adams' dime novel series (No. 1020, February 1897) features "Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; or, The Cruise of the Queer Fish" by Herrick Johnstone. The narrative, set in May 1813, follows Barney Blake, a unemployed sailor in Boston, as he joins the crew of the privateer brigantine Queer Fish, a six-gun vessel under the eccentric command of Captain Joker. The story introduces the diverse 125-man crew including boatswain Tony Trybrace, Norwegian sailor Old Nick, cook Snollygoster (described as a giant), and other colorful characters. Chapter II depicts the ship's departure from Boston harbor with comedic incidents including a stranded Polish peddler and encounters with British cruisers along the coast. The narrative blends maritime adventure with humor and portrays the privateer's mission to attack British merchant vessels during the War of 1812.