This riveting novel takes place on a whaling ship, where its captain, Black Pawl, has a troubled relationship with the first mate, his son. A minister is permitted aboard for the homeward-bound journey along with a young woman who is accompanying him. Before long, unforeseen complications and electrifying events ensue. Williams, an American author, wrote hundreds of short stories, many appearing in popular magazines, and over 30 novels, several of which were made into motion pictures. ( Lee Smalley)