The Golden Argosy: Tom Gale's Ride

"Tom Gale's Ride," by George H. Coomer, recounts a whaling voyage aboard the ship Warren. The narrative follows Tom Gale, a mischievous boy known for pranks and lack of perseverance, who is sent to sea hoping the experience will reform him. Initially unpromising, Tom transforms into a dedicated sailor after embracing ambitions of becoming a ship's captain. After two years, he's promoted to boatsteerer. During a hunt in Arctic seas, Tom's boat strikes an enormous whale that has eluded other vessels. When the whale's tail destroys their boat, Tom lands on the creature's back and, demonstrating characteristic fearlessness, rides it for three miles while repeatedly harpooning it until the whale dies. The incident establishes Tom as an exceptional whaleman; the Warren completes its voyage with substantial catch before returning home. Tom eventually achieves his goal, commanding a ship on his third voyage. The issue also contains "Cat-Tails," a short poem about a summer pool landscape, and the opening of a serialized story by Horatio Alger Jr. featuring a young circus performer named Kit performing trapeze.