021 - Part V Chapter 28

In Beach of Dreams, two sailors, Harbutt and Raft, navigate the treacherous waters of life as laborers under the control of a wealthy owner. Amidst a raging windstorm, Raft and his crew must bravely scale the mast of their three-masted ship to tame a rebellious rigging that threatens their safety. As they regain control, their attention shifts to a distant vessel—the infamous Gaston de Paris. Onboard is the opulent Prince Selm, who, despite his love for luxury, finds solace in the sea. Accompanied by the quirky Madame de Warens and her disdainful adopted daughter, Cleo de Bromsart, tensions rise as Cleo rejects Selms marriage proposal. With a sudden urge to escape the confines of the ship, Cleo dons her storm gear and hurriedly ascends the steps, only to be violently thrown back as the engines roar to life. As she rushes onto the deck, she finds the three-master, the Albatross, precariously close, while her own ship lists ominously to port. The last thing she hears is Prince Selms voice, leaving behind a swirl of uncertainty about the fate of both ships, the safety of Madame de Warens, and the tumultuous future that awaits Cleo and Selm. (summary by Bill Boerst)