Half A Chance

by Frederic Stewart Isham

"Half A Chance" by Frederic S. Isham is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins aboard the ship "Lord Nelson", focusing on a group of passengers, including Sir Charles, his lady, and the spirited young girl Jocelyn, as they navigate a range of intriguing interactions and impending dangers involving a group of convicts on the ship. The narrative sets the stage for exploring themes of curiosity, innocence, and moral complexity through the characters' encounters and the influence of their respective social standings. The opening of the book introduces a curious exploration as Earl Sir Charles Wray and his lady, accompanied by the headstrong child Jocelyn, seek permission to visit the convicts' deck. Mr. Gillett, the police agent, provides a detailed, almost theatrical description of the notorious criminals on board, notably the 'Frisco Pet,' a former prize-fighter with a dubious past. Amid this backdrop, an unexpected and tension-filled turn unfolds when a storm hits and the ship faces disaster, highlighting the juxtaposition of social class and individual character as innocence and danger collide, particularly through Jocelyn's interactions with the convicts. The beginning sets up both the immediate peril of their situation and hints at deeper explorations of ethics and humanity throughout the narrative.