Porto Bello gold

"Porto Bello Gold" by Arthur D. Howden Smith is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against a backdrop of piracy and intrigue, focusing on the protagonist Robert Ormerod and the shadowy figures of pirates who threaten his world. The novel promises a mix of excitement as it delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pirate existence, especially through the lens of Robert's challenging familial legacy. The opening of the novel introduces Robert Ormerod working in a fur trading office in New York, where he hears rumors of a pirate ship lurking nearby. This news excites Darby, a young boy working for Robert, who dreams of adventure on the high seas. Robert's father, a significant figure in the community, seems troubled by the reports of pirates, particularly a Captain Rip-Rap, who is revealed to be Robert's great-uncle Murray. As the family’s history with Murray surfaces, we learn of the threat he poses. The narrative hints at brewing tensions as Robert grapples with the legacy of his uncle and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the pirate threat, setting the stage for the ensuing adventure entwined with personal conflict.