The Second String

In Short

The Second String is a turn-of-the-century adventure novel following Jack Redland, an aimless young Englishman dubbed the family failure, who sails to Western Australia to seek his fortune. Through pearl diving off Shark's Bay, mining investments, and high-stakes thoroughbred racing, Jack tests his mettle against thieves and rugged wilderness. Grounded in colorful colonial details and old-fashioned romance, the book endures as a lively slice of Edwardian popular fiction that celebrates second chances, honest hard work, and the thrill of the turf.

The Story

Jack Redland is an agreeable, able-bodied young man who has managed to squander his two-thousand-pound inheritance in a single year without establishing a career. Though liked by his neighbor, Sir Lester Dyke, Jack is widely considered the failure of his family. Spurred on by his unspoken love for Sir Lester's daughter, Winifred, and a gypsy’s prophecy that he will prosper abroad, Jack resolves to leave Sussex for Western Australia.

Upon arriving in Fremantle aboard Captain Job Seagrave’s ship, Jack and his companion Harry Marton join forces with Barry Tuxford, a shrewd and resourceful colonial entrepreneur. Tuxford enlists them in a pearl-fishing expedition bound for Shark's Bay. Despite facing hostile local fishers led by Amos Hooker, Jack and the crew set to work diving for oysters. Jack soon discovers a magnificent, highly valuable black pearl. However, the treasure is stolen from his cabin by a treacherous aboriginal diver named Kylis, who secretly sells it to Amos Hooker for a fraction of its worth. Amos is later murdered in a dispute, and the pearl passes through various hands before ending up with the scheming dealer Silas Filey.

Leaving the pearling fleet behind, Jack accompanies Barry to Sydney to try his luck in the racing world. Jack buys into racing stock, including a promising horse named Lucky Boy, and rides the horse to an unexpected victory at Rosehill after the favorite’s jockey misjudges the finish line. As Jack expands his interests, he invests in a lucrative gold claim, the Redland-Barry Mine, which rapidly makes him a wealthy man.

Determined to recover the stolen black pearl as a gift for Winifred, Jack relies on Barry to negotiate its return from Silas Filey. After securing the jewel and accumulating a massive fortune from his gold holdings, Jack returns home to England a triumphant, self-made man. He marries Winifred, restores his standing in society, and imports his standout racehorse, Black Boy, to compete on the English turf under his signature black jacket with orange sleeves. Surrounded by loyal friends, a loving family, and the admiration of his father-in-law, Jack completes his transformation from a shiftless romantic into a remarkably successful gentleman.

How It Unfolds

The failure leaves home Sir Lester Dyke laments Jack Redland's lack of ambition, yet acknowledges his latent grit. Encouraged by a gypsy's fortune and driven by his devotion to Winifred Dyke, Jack resolves to quit Sussex to make his mark in Australia.

Sailing to Fremantle Jack and his friend Harry Marton make the long voyage aboard the Golden Land, commanded by the colorful, blustery Captain Job Seagrave. During the passage, Jack learns about the opportunities waiting in Western Australia from the ship's crew.

Plunging into the pearl trade In Fremantle, Jack meets the clever speculator Barry Tuxford and joins a pearling venture to Shark's Bay. The crew faces down rival fishers and sets to work harvesting oysters in the northern waters.

A prize found and lost While opening encrusted oyster shells, Jack unearths a rare, valuable black pearl. Soon after, the sneaky diver Kylis slips into Jack's cabin, steals the gem, and sells it to the rogue Amos Hooker.

Triumphs on the turf Leaving the pearling waters, Jack travels to Sydney with Barry to enter the racing scene. Wearing his personal racing colors, Jack unexpectedly rides the outsider Lucky Boy to victory in a thrilling finish.

Striking gold and returning home Jack's fortunes multiply when his investment in the Redland-Barry gold mine yields immense dividends. After Barry recovers the black pearl from dealer Silas Filey, a newly wealthy Jack sails back to England, marries Winifred, and races his Australian horses to victory on English tracks.

The People

• Jack Redland wants to prove he is not a failure, build a fortune, and win Winifred's hand. Obstacles include his past aimless spending, physical distance, and the theft of his prized black pearl. He evolves from an idle young man into a wealthy, determined sportsman.
• Winifred Dyke wants Jack to stay safe in England and succeed without risking his life abroad. Her fear of losing him stands in her way, but she matures into a supportive, devoted partner who eagerly awaits his return.
• Barry Tuxford wants to profit from various colonial ventures, including pearl diving, horse racing, and gold mining. His health struggles temporarily halt his momentum, but he remains a loyal mentor to Jack and a triumphant entrepreneur.
• Sir Lester Dyke wants his friend's son to live up to his potential and prove his hidden grit. His initial skepticism of Jack gives way to deep pride and admiration as Jack returns a wealthy hero.
• Captain Job Seagrave wants to navigate his ship safely, look after his crew and passengers, and enjoy a bit of sport. He overcomes stubborn shipping office clerks and unpredictable seas, remaining a warm, steadfast family friend.

In Its Own Voice

"There goes the failure of the family, yet I like him, there's real grit in him if it was brought out."

Sir Lester Dyke watches Jack Redland stride across a Sussex field, unaware of the journey the young man is about to undertake.

"He's revived the pearl fishing again, and what's more, he's had his usual luck."

Captain Job Seagrave tells Jack about the boundless energy and profitable schemes of Barry Tuxford.

"I have set my heart on having that black pearl, it will bring us luck, I feel sure."

Jack Redland expresses his determination to regain the stolen gem as a gift for Winifred.

What It's Really About

Beneath its rousing adventure plot, the novel explores the ideal of redemption through honest labor and the transformative nature of the colonial frontier. It contrasts the stagnant expectations of English society, where a young man without a set career is readily branded a "failure," with the fluid opportunities of Australia, where initiative and courage matter more than background. The story argues that true character is forged through practical work, fair play, and resilience in the face of adversity. At its core, the book asks whether a person can shed an early reputation for indolence to become worthy of love, trust, and public respect.

Why Read It Today

The Second String offers an entertaining, unpretentious journey into the world of turn-of-the-century popular sports fiction. Readers who enjoy classic tales of colonial adventure, horse racing, and straightforward romance will appreciate its swift pace and unvarnished storytelling. The narrative captures the vastness of the Western Australian landscape, the tension of horse races, and the bustling maritime life of the period.

The book does reflect the era in which it was written, featuring imperial attitudes and stereotypical depictions of native divers that modern readers may find harsh or outdated. Additionally, the plot relies heavily on fortunate coincidences, simple villainy, and idealized outcomes. Yet despite these period constraints, the novel remains an engaging time capsule. Its charm lies in its genial tone, vivid racing sequences, and the satisfying rise of an underdog who proves his doubters wrong.