Midnight Webs

"Midnight Webs" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces us to Isaac Smith, a commissionaire who recounts his experiences and observations during a military camp in colonial India. The novel explores themes of camaraderie, love, and the social dynamics within a diverse group of soldiers and their families. The opening of "Midnight Webs" is framed by Isaac Smith’s narrative voice, which conveys a sense of authenticity and unadorned honesty as he begins to tell his story. Smith reflects on his life, from his time in the commissionaire's uniform to the regiment he serves with, detailing interactions with notable characters such as Captain Dyer, Lieutenant Leigh, and Miss Ross. As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to the rigors of military life, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the burgeoning relationships that exist amidst the challenges they face. The tension builds with hints of deeper conflicts brewing within the regiment and the underlying threat posed by the local population as unrest simmers around them.