De Bertha

Summary

Margaret Verner, the daughter of the captain of the trading ship "Bertha", is employed in the offices of Messrs Johnston & Son, shippers and owners of the "Bertha". She is in love with Colville, a young inventor, who is interested in a new form of telegraphy. Captain Verner learns from the chief engineer that the boilers of the "Bertha" are in a very bad condition, and that the ship is not seaworthy. He reports to the owners and is instructed to return to his ship and await orders. Johnston, the son, suggests that the "Bertha" should be heavily insured and sent to sea with the idea of breaking her up. The father indignantly refuses, but the fortunes of the firm are at a low ebb. Later in the day the son decides to take the responsibility on his own shoulders and effect the insurance, unbeknown to his father. Margaret learns his plan, and seconded by her lover and his invention, is able to save both her father and the crew of the "Bertha".