Swept Out to Sea; Or, Clint Webb Among the Whalers

"Swept Out to Sea; Or, Clint Webb Among the Whalers" by W. Bert Foster is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the adventures of Clint Webb, a young man with a passion for the sea, as he navigates the challenges of family conflict, treachery, and survival while engaging in whaling activities. The story begins with a quarrel between Clint and his cousin Paul Downes, which ultimately sets off a chain of events that leads to Clint being swept away to sea. The opening of the book introduces Clint Webb and his cousin Paul as they fish from their sloop, the Wavecrest. Their banter turns into a heated argument, resulting in a physical confrontation in which Clint ties Paul up after Paul attempts to use a knife against him. This quarrel not only reveals their tumultuous relationship but also indicates deeper familial tensions, particularly related to their fathers’ legacies. As Clint's emotions escalate, he makes impulsive decisions that put him into grave danger, foreshadowing the subsequent perilous journey at sea after being inadvertently cast adrift. The stage is set for Clint's maritime adventures and exploration of the whaling life, which promise to be fraught with excitement and challenges.