Introduction

THE HONOR OF THE SHIP. Featuring Steve Costigan. The title was given by Glenn Lord. One of the last Costigan stories written.

Steve Costigan, a respected fighter and crew member aboard the Sea Girl, encounters John Zachary Grimes, a newcomer with a quiet but firm demeanor from Kentucky. Their interaction aboard the ship sets a foundation for conflict and mutual respect, woven through physical confrontations and moral decisions.

Summary

The story begins on the Sea Girl, just after departing San Francisco, where Steve Costigan notices John Zachary Grimes, a reserved new crew member from Kentucky. Grimes quickly proves his strength and unwillingness to be bullied by defeating Olaf Ericson, a veteran crew member, in one hit after a disrespectful remark.

Despite Grimes’s impressive display, he remains a loner, gaining respect but not companionship from the crew. His interactions with Costigan are tense and filled with mutual tests of strength and character. Both men are formidable fighters, but while Costigan enjoys the sport of it, Grimes fights only when provoked, focusing on decisive and permanent victories to avoid further confrontation.

The ship approaches Singapore, where Costigan is scheduled to fight in a highly anticipated match against Kid Reynolds. However, as the crew disembarks, Costigan receives a suspicious note, luring him to the Dragon Shop under the pretense of meeting a woman. There, Grimes confronts him, revealing it was a ruse to discuss concerns about the upcoming fight. Despite initial anger, Costigan listens as Grimes hints at possible foul play intended to disrupt the match and tarnish Costigan’s reputation.

Before Costigan can learn more, Grimes secretly drugs him, intending to protect him from participating in the possibly rigged match. Costigan wakes up too late to participate in his fight and discovers that Grimes has taken his place, losing on purpose to avoid scandal. Costigan, furious and confused, confronts Grimes outside the venue, leading to a brutal fight where both men express their frustration and strength.

After a long and punishing duel, McPartland, the fight promoter, finds Costigan and explains the situation: Grimes stepped in to protect Costigan’s reputation from a setup orchestrated by corrupt gamblers, including Slippery Steen, who had planned to drug Reynolds to ensure a Costigan victory and subsequent scandal. Realizing Grimes’s actions were to preserve his honor and that of the Sea Girl, Costigan reconciles with Grimes, recognizing his integrity and sacrifice.

Characters, animals and ships

  • Steve Costigan: Main protagonist, a respected fighter known for his prowess in boxing and his role as the “bully” of the Sea Girl.
  • John Zachary Grimes: A new, reserved crew member from Kentucky, skilled in fighting, who values privacy and directness.
  • Olaf Ericson: Crew member who underestimates Grimes and is quickly defeated.
  • Mushy Hansen: Another crew member who challenges but loses to Grimes.
  • Bill O’Brien: A friend of Costigan, who tries to moderate between Costigan and Grimes.
  • McPartland: The fight promoter in Singapore.
  • Slippery Steen: A corrupt gambler involved in rigging the fight.
  • Kid Reynolds: Costigan’s opponent, who is unknowingly drugged as part of a rigged match.
  • Mike: Steve Costigan’s loyal white bulldog.
  • Sea Girl: The ship on which the main characters serve, setting the scene for the initial interactions and conflicts among the crew, including the pivotal moments involving Steve Costigan and John Zachary Grimes.

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