The Skipper and the Skipped: Being the Shore Log of Cap'n Aaron Sproul

by Holman Day

"The Skipper and the Skipped: Being the Shore Log of Cap'n Aaron Sproul" by Holman Day is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around Cap'n Aaron Sproul, a seasoned mariner who, after resigning from his position due to health issues, takes a job managing a toll bridge. As he adjusts to his new life on land, he becomes embroiled in the local community's dramas, particularly those involving his domineering brother-in-law, Colonel Gideon Ward. At the start of the tale, Cap'n Sproul reflects on his transition from the sea to the toll-house, where he cares for his ailing uncle, One-arm Jerry. The dialogue between the two reveals Cap'n Sproul's strong, brusque character and his reluctance to embrace his land-based role. As Sproul takes up the duties of tollkeeper, he soon encounters Colonel Ward, who has a complex relationship with his sister, Jane. The opening sets the stage for comedic and dramatic interactions that showcase the Cap'n's seafaring spirit clashing with the pettiness of local affairs, hinting at the conflicts and growth to come as he navigates his new world.