Ink Atlas

Blow The Man Down

by Holman Day · 1916

Romance · Classics

Set against the rough-hewn world of the Maine coast and the sea trades that Holman Day knew so well, this novel follows a plain-spoken, upright young man whose self-made ambitions collide with the glittering world of wealth and romance when he falls for the daughter of a powerful man. Torn between loyalty to his own hard-won principles and the intoxicating promises of love, he must navigate a courtship charged with secrecy, class divides, and the unpredictable currents of the heart.

35 chapters

A look inside

When in safety or in doubt, Always keep a safe lookout; Strive to keep a level head, Mind your lights and mind your lead. —Pilot-house Ditty.

For days he had been afraid of that incredible madness of his as a man fears a nameless monster. But he was sure of his strength even while admitting his weakness. He was confident that he had the thing securely in leash.

Then all at once it happened!

Without preface of word or look he whirled and faced her, swept her into his arms and kissed her. He did not attempt to absolve himself or mitigate his offense by telling her that he loved her. He was voiceless—he could not control his speech. He did not dare to show such presumption as talk of love must seem to be to her. He knew he must not speak of love; such proffer to her would be lunacy. But this greater presumption, this blind capture of her in his arms—this was something which he had not intended any more than a sane man considers flight to the moon.

He did not understand; he had been himself—then, instantly, in time measured by a finger-snap, he had become this wretch who seemed to be somebody else.

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