Sailor Costigan and the Swami

Introduction

Dive into the tumultuous world of Sailor Steve Costigan, a man whose reputation precedes him, often painted inaccurately by the press. In “Sailor Costigan and the Swami,” follow Costigan’s adventures from a heated dispute on his ship to the bustling streets of Singapore. What begins as a quest for employment and respect takes a wild turn involving swindlers, typhoons, and chaotic brawls that challenge Costigan’s strength and resolve.

Summary

“Sailor Costigan and the Swami” begins with Steve Costigan feeling wronged by a newspaper article that misrepresents an incident involving him and a swami in Batavia. The story recounts how Costigan, having left his ship the Sea Girl in a fit of anger after multiple conflicts, finds himself without money and direction in Batavia.

Encountering the Swami Ditta Baksh, Costigan is persuaded to visit the swami’s mystical establishment, the Castle of Dreams, where he receives a vague prophecy involving his success in Singapore. Despite lacking funds, the swami convinces Costigan to promise him half of his future earnings from a fight club he is destined to start in Singapore.

With only a dubious good luck coin, Costigan uses his wits in a dice game to secure travel funds to Singapore. There, despite numerous setbacks and a profound lack of experience, he organizes a fight night at the dilapidated Pleasure Palace Arena. The event, marked by mismanagement and chaos, spirals out of control, ending in a near-riot with participants and spectators dissatisfied and enraged.

In a twist, the old man from Costigan’s ship, disguised to monitor Costigan’s ill-advised adventure, reveals himself amidst the disaster. The revelation comes as a typhoon strikes, demolishing the arena and nearly drowning Costigan, the old man, and Costigan’s faithful dog, Mike. The trio survives by clinging to debris in the storm’s aftermath.

The story closes with Costigan confronting the swami upon his return to Batavia, only to discover the swami’s deceit as part of a plot by another fighter to secure better contracts. As Costigan attempts to exact revenge on the swami for his manipulation, the police arrive, adding to the ongoing turbulence of Costigan’s life.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan – The main character, a sailor on the schooner Sea Girl.
  • Old Man – The captain of the Sea Girl, who also disguises himself as a red-bearded spectator.
  • Swami Ditta Baksh/Gubbetts – A fake swami who manipulates Steve.
  • Joe Barlow – A fight promoter in Batavia.
  • Johnny Wicketts – Steve’s assistant for the fight club.
  • Hopkins – The announcer and referee at the fight club.
  • Kid Jackson – A lightweight fighter.
  • Joey Gagnon – Another lightweight fighter.
  • Bill Harrison – A light heavyweight fighter.
  • Jim Brent – Another light heavyweight fighter.
  • Battling Brock – A heavyweight fighter, initially scheduled to fight but who disappears.
  • Ace Keenan – A heavyweight fighter.
  • Bristol Rainey – A substitute fighter brought in to replace Brock.
  • Mike – Steve Costigan’s white bulldog.
  • Sea Girl – The schooner on which Steve serves and the Old Man captains.

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