The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman's Legacy

This serialized romance, "The Sea-Devil: or, The Midshipman's Legacy," by Col. Prentiss Ingraham, is set on the Florida coast and begins with the legend of Storm Castle, a crumbling Spanish fortress on an island key. Don St. Leon, a mysterious Spanish naval officer dwelling there, marries the reluctant young Edna Hammersley. She dies in childbirth; her infant son saves Don's life by crying out as he contemplates suicide with a jeweled dagger. Don relocates to Hammersley Hall to raise the boy. Years later, Don observes an approaching brigantine firing signal guns, recognizing it as "the Diablo"—a mysterious vessel from his past. As a terrible storm gathers, he races to abandoned Storm Castle, lights its beacon lantern, and signals the brigantine into the inlet, cheering at its response. The narrative combines Gothic atmosphere, maritime adventure, and romantic tragedy.