Norman Springer (1888-1974) was the author of: The Blood Ship (1922), Fire Mountain: A Thrilling Sea Story (1923), The Dark River (1928) and Hurricane (1929). "It was the writing guy who drew this story out of Captain Shreve. He talked so much I think the Old Man spun the yarn just to shut him up. He had talked ever since his arrival on board, early that morning, with a letter from the owners' agent, and the announcement he intended making the voyage with us. He had weak lungs, he said, and was in search of mild, tropical breezes. Also, he was seeking local color, and whatever information he could pick up about "King" Waldon. "