The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 13

"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 13" by Stevenson et al. is a collection of literary works likely compiled in the early 20th century. This volume includes "The Wrecker," a collaborative story between Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne, which unfolds in the exotic Marquesas Islands and hints at themes of adventure and human relationships set against the backdrop of the oceanic landscape. The opening of "The Wrecker" begins with a vivid description of Tai-o-hae, the French capital of the Marquesas Islands, setting a serene yet tumultuous atmosphere with strong winds and crashing surf. As characters react to the arrival of a mysterious schooner, the scene illustrates a mix of colonial intrigue and local life. The protagonist, the tattooed white man sitting on the pier, reflects on his past and the rich tapestry of his memories, connecting with the other figures around him as they speculate about the ship's origins. This prologue establishes the narrative's tone, filled with a sense of waiting and the unpredictability of life on the islands.