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. (This is an automatically generated summary.)