Sailor Costigan and the Destiny Gorilla (synopsis)

Introduction

The synopsis for “Sailor Costigan and the Destiny Gorilla”. See “Sailor Costigan and the Destiny Gorilla” for more details of the full story.

In the story, Sailor Steve Costigan faces unexpected treachery and rivalry before and after a boxing match. Preparing for a bout against “One-round” Egan, Costigan discovers a threatening note in his dressing room, insisting he lose the fight in the first round. The note, pinned with a knife, appears to be from Waspy Shaw, a known antagonist. Despite the threat, Costigan proceeds to defeat Egan swiftly and decisively in the ring.

After the match, while Costigan’s handlers stay behind to watch a wrestling event, he encounters Waspy Shaw who threatens him again. Costigan dismisses Shaw with a kick, knocking him off his feet. Later, while visiting a different part of the city, Costigan is attacked by three thugs hired by Shaw but manages to defeat them all.

During this turmoil, Costigan meets Teddy Richards, a dancer, who warns him not to show any interest in her as she is claimed by Big Bill Elkins. Elkins is known for his violence towards men showing interest in Teddy. Driven by indignation, Costigan seeks out Elkins, leading to a confrontation in a secluded area on the town’s outskirts.

As Costigan and Elkins engage in a brutal fight, Waspy Shaw and his crew, including Ahmed the Malay, interrupt. Ahmed holds a knife to Costigan’s throat, but Elkins sides with Costigan, turning against his former allies. Together, Costigan and Elkins fight off Shaw and his gang. However, the fight ends abruptly as Elkins injures his ankle.

Costigan, assisting the injured Elkins, returns to the cabaret only to discover that Teddy Richards has used the commotion as a distraction to elope with her true love, a timid accordion player who had been too scared to court her openly because of Elkins.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan – The main protagonist, a tough and straightforward sailor known for his prowess in boxing and physical confrontations.
  • One-round Egan – Costigan’s opponent in the boxing match.
  • Waspy Shaw – The antagonist who tries to intimidate Costigan into losing the fight.
  • Bully Klisson – One of Shaw’s henchmen.
  • Ned Brock – Another of Shaw’s henchmen.
  • Tony Spagalli – One of Shaw’s henchmen.
  • Ahmed the Malay – Part of Shaw’s gang, attacks Costigan with a knife.
  • Teddy Richards – A dancer who interacts with Costigan, warning him off because of her possessive and violent boyfriend, Bill Elkins.
  • Big Bill Elkins – Claims Teddy Richards as his own and is known for his violent behavior; ultimately fights alongside Costigan.
  • The accordion player – Teddy Richards’ true interest, with whom she elopes.
  • The Sea Girl – The ship mentioned as part of the setting, where the crew bets on Costigan.
  • Mike – Steve Costigan’s bulldog.

Alternate titles:

SAILOR DORGAN AND THE DESTINY GORILLA and THE DESTINY GORILLA.

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