Introduction
“Sailor’s Grudge” is a vividly detailed short story by Robert E. Howard featuring Steve Costigan, a character known for his rough and tumble adventures, primarily centered around his life as a seafarer and a boxer. This particular narrative unfolds with Costigan landing in Los Angeles, seeking a break from his usual brawling life, only to find himself embroiled in a series of misunderstandings and conflicts, both of the heart and the fist.
First published in Fight Stories Volume 2 number 10 March 1930 as ‘Sailor’s Grudge’. Howard got $75.00 for this story. It was published again in Fight Stories Volume 5 number 7 in 1938 under the name Mark Adam and with the changed title.
Howard’s story blends humor, action, and a touch of romance, showcasing his talent for creating engaging, character-driven tales. Costigan’s misadventures reflect his rugged charm and impulsive nature, leading to a humorous yet poignant lesson on assumptions and the complexity of human relationships.
See also “Sailor’s Grudge (outline)“.
From the letters
From a letter (#124) to Tevis Clyde Smith, circa March 1930 we learn:
Have you read my “Sailors’ Grudge” in the latest issue of Fight Stories? I ought not to be writing you, because you already owe me a letter, but it’s pretty dull here when I’m not writing and I can’t write all the time.
Summary
Steve Costigan, the heavyweight champion of the Sea Girl, comes ashore in Los Angeles intending to enjoy some peace away from his usual brawls. Leaving his bulldog, Mike, on the ship, he explores the beach, where he meets and is enchanted by Marjory Harper, a beautiful young woman. After spending a pleasant day rowing and chatting with her, he promises to meet her again, despite witnessing her being scolded by a man named Bert for associating with sailors.
Ignoring Bert’s warning, Marjory meets Costigan again, only to tell him they cannot see each other because of Bert, whom she describes as controlling and overbearing. Fueled by a mix of jealousy and protective instincts, Costigan heads to Hollywood to confront Bert, mistaking a movie star for him in a comical altercation.
Through his old acquaintance, Tommy Marks, Costigan learns of a movie being filmed that requires a boxer. Seeing an opportunity to legally fight and hoping to encounter Bert on set, he ends up inadvertently auditioning by beating up potential extras. He secures a role meant for Terry O’Rourke, who is injured, to play against Bert’s double in the film, not knowing yet that Bert himself will be his opponent.
The fight scenes are filmed with authentic intensity, reflecting both Costigan’s and Bert’s capable boxing skills. Their rivalry escalates until Costigan, driven by his misconceptions of Bert’s relationship with Marjory and a personal vendetta, knocks Bert out, disrupting the film’s intended climax. It’s only after this intense showdown that Costigan learns from Tommy that Bert is actually Marjory’s brother, not her suitor, leaving him embarrassed and regretful over his actions.
Characters
- Steve Costigan: The protagonist, a tough sailor and the heavyweight champion of the Sea Girl, with a chivalrous streak.
- Mike: Steve’s loyal white bulldog, known for his combative nature.
- Marjory Harper: A beautiful, flirtatious young woman who captures Costigan’s heart, ultimately revealed to be Bert’s sister.
- Bert: Marjory’s overprotective brother, initially misunderstood by Costigan as a rival for Marjory’s affection. Also works as a stunt double in Hollywood.
- Tommy Marks: An old acquaintance of Costigan, working in the film industry, who provides insight into Bert’s role in the movie and the misunderstanding.
- Reginald Van Veer: A famous movie star, mistaken by Costigan for Bert during an aggressive encounter.
- Terry O’Rourke: A boxer initially cast in the film, who Costigan replaces after Terry injures himself.
- Spike Monahan: A tough sailor from the Hornswoggle, who competes against Costigan for the boxing role in the movie.
- Sea Girl: The ship on which Steve Costigan serves as the heavyweight champion. It’s captained by a man who prides himself on hiring the toughest crews across the seven seas.
Alternate title:
Published in:
- FIGHT STORIES VOLUME 2 NUMBER 10, Fight Stories, Inc., March 1930
- FIGHT STORIES VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7, Fight Stories, Inc., Spring 1938 (by Mark Adam, as “Costigan vs. Kid Camera”)
- STEVE COSTIGAN, NeO, November 1986 (French)
- REH FIGHT MAGAZINE #1, Necronomicon Press, March 1990
- IRON FIST, North-West, 1998 (Russian)
- WATERFRONT FISTS AND OTHERS, Wildside Press, May 2003
- WATERFRONT FISTS AND OTHERS, Wildside Press, December 2004
- THE BATTLES OF SAILOR STEVE COSTIGAN, Francis DiPietro, August 2008
- THE COLLECTED BOXING STORIES OF ROBERT E. HOWARD, Halcyon Press, Ltd., December 2009
- THE ROBERT E. HOWARD OMNIBUS: 99 COLLECTED STORIES, Halcyon Press, Ltd., May 2010
- FISTS OF FOOLISHNESS: THE TALES OF SEA-FARING BOXING CHAMP STEVE COSTIGAN, Nuelow Games, October 2011
- THE SAILOR STEVE COSTIGAN STORIES, Jame-Books, August 2012
- ROBERT E. HOWARD’S COLLECTED WORKS, Jame-Books, February 2013
- THE COLLECTED BOXING FICTION OF ROBERT E. HOWARD: FISTS OF IRON ROUND 2, REH Foundation Press, February 2014
- ROBERT E. HOWARD’S SAILOR STEVE COSTIGAN, Pulp-Lit Press, July 2019
- ROBERT E. HOWARD’S SAILOR STEVE COSTIGAN, Audible Audio, July 2019 (audio)