JOHN MASEFIELD adopts the character of an old naval officer in "The Taking of the Gry" and chats with his readers about one of his youthful exploits. As soon as he says, "I can tell you about the 'Gry' better than most people," he keeps his audience in a close and absorbing relationship until he and his companion, Teniento Bronnay, pilot their prize safely beyond the rocky, unused channel of Santa Barbara harbor.

The story concerns the struggle of Santa Ana to win its independence from Santa Barbara which dominated the Eastern Spanish Main in 1910. The rebels' supply ship, the "Gry" is betrayed by its captain and interned in a closely guarded harbor. Bronnay, a Santa Ana patriot, gets the aid of Tarlton, a young British naval officer, to attempt a daring rescue.

Masefield must have spent several pleasant hours of relaxation when he wrote this long short story, for it is an intimate tale. Through its rambling pages runs a strong love of the sea which has produced these bold and impetuous characters. Its loose style proves an excellent way in which to bring out the force of the story. Here is an opportunity to see that a successful author and poet can also be a successful talker.