One early spring day in May 1954 the headmaster called the author, who was about to leave school, into his study for occupational guidance. All Neil knew was that the dreary nine to five existence in office or factory was not for him. 'I want to be a steward in the Merchant Navy sir'. The head who was a good old boy shook his grey head. 'What a waste.' What followed was no waste; adventure was what he craved and adventure and romance aplenty called during the years that were the heyday of Britain's proud merchant flag, the "Red Duster". From Brazil to the Caribbean, to New Zealand and Australia where he now lives, the author will share with you a rollicking good yarn or two..