The Pirate of the Mediterranean

William H. G. Kingston's The Pirate of the Mediterranean opens in Malta during the governorship of one of three recent administrators. The narrative focuses on two young Royal Navy midshipmen, Jack Raby and Duff, who land at Valetta and traverse the fortified harbor town. Raby praises their ship's captain, Charlie Fleetwood, as a strict but capable commander, and discusses the vessel's anticipated deployment to the Greek Archipelago during the Greek-Turkish conflict. The midshipmen observe the bustling, multicultural harbor, its elaborate fortifications, and Catholic churches. Raby mentions Fleetwood's romantic attachment to a local girl as delaying their departure. The narrative employs detailed geographical description and sailor dialogue to establish setting and character before introducing apparent adventure elements.