Sinopsis

This announcement, on a gigantic placard, in staring capitals, arrested my
attention, and brought me to a stand, as I was strolling along South Street,
near Peck Slip. I had just attained the susceptible age of eighteen, and had
left my country home with the consent of my parents, to visit the great city
of Gotham, like a modern Gil Blas, in quest of employment and
adventures. As the old story-books have it, I had come "to seek my
fortune." I have sought it ever since, but it has kept ahead of me, like an
ignis fatuus. Like old Joe Garboard, I began the world with nothing, and
have held my own ever since.
I had always a predilection for the sea, and had cultivated my adventurous
...