Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service; or, With Dan Dalzell on European Duty

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22431

Title

Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service; or, With Dan Dalzell on European Duty

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Two young U.S. Navy ensigns, Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell, face espionage and international intrigue while on duty in Gibraltar, Monte Carlo, and Naples. Blending action with naval duty, the story explores loyalty, danger, and the fight against spies threatening American interests during wartime.

Summary up to 500 words

In H. Irving Hancock's *Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service*, Ensigns Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell find themselves thrust into a dangerous web of international espionage while serving aboard the U.S.S. *Hudson* in the Mediterranean. Their adventure begins in Gibraltar, where a brawl at a local theater leads them to assist Secret Service agent George Cushing, who has been robbed of a vital document by a thug known as 'Mr. Green Hat.' Realizing the gravity of the situation, the young officers escort Cushing to safety, vouching for him against suspicious provost guards who may have been complicit in the theft. The plot thickens as the ensigns travel to Monte Carlo and Naples, uncovering a sinister conspiracy led by the villainous Count de Surigny and a band of international cutthroats. The villains' scheme is audacious: they plan to sabotage British naval assets and plant false evidence to drag the United States into an unnecessary war with England. To execute this treachery, they rely on local agents and a group of violent Sicilian 'bravos.' Dave and Dan must navigate treacherous streets, evade assassins, and rescue a messenger carrying critical intelligence. A key moment occurs when Able Seaman Runkle, tasked with delivering a report to Captain Allen, is ambushed by the bravos. Despite being outnumbered, Runkle fights back, eventually calling for help from shipmates who rescue him and recover the stolen letter. The officers soon discover that Count de Surigny, whom they once hoped to redeem, has fully aligned himself with the enemy. With the help of loyal crewmates and British allies, the ensigns expose the plot. They thwart the saboteurs, prevent the destruction of British ships, and save the nation from a manufactured conflict. The narrative highlights themes of courage, brotherhood, and the moral responsibility of officers to protect their country, even at great personal risk. Ultimately, the villains are brought to justice, and the young officers are honored for their bravery and loyalty to Uncle Sam's Navy.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction