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Backbone Synopsis

As has his family for generations, André de Mersay rules the little town of St. Croix, Maine, and its surrounding lumber interests. While thinking of his granddaughter, Yvonne, who is returning from France, André recalls the story of his namesake ancestor who, in the time of Louis XV of France, was cruelly separated from his sweetheart, Yvonne de Chausson, and exiled to America. When Yvonne arrives she is told by Anthony Bracken, de Mersay's business manager, that her grandfather is seriously ill and may see no one. The arrival of John Thorne and his efforts to open up a tract of lumber long intended to be worked by the de Mersays further infuriate Yvonne. After much conflict and danger to Yvonne and John, it is revealed that de Mersay died sometime ago; that Bracken and his partner, Doc Roper, were embezzling de Mersay funds; and that John Thorne is descended from Yvonne de Chausson. Yvonne and John are united, thus fulfilling a promise centuries old.

The Sea Master Synopsis

To maintain order aboard the Southern Cross, Bull Dorgan, its fierce captain, beats Pedro, a trouble-making sailor, who swears revenge as he steers the boat toward the wild Barbary Coast. While on shore, Bull hears the cries of Emily Gordon coming from a saloon, rescues her from the owner, and drags her and Hugh, a minister, to his departing ship. Bull refuses to believe that Emily came to the cabaret to visit a dying friend, but overcome with desire for her, he forces Hugh to marry them. Nine months later Emily gives birth, but Pedro, still bent on revenge, insinuates that the baby actually belongs to Hugh. When Bull goes to confront Emily with this accusation, he finds her in a compromising position with the minister. Taking advantage of Bull's confusion, Pedro foments a mutiny, but Bull and a devoted shipmate defeat the traitors. Eager to compensate Emily for her hardship, Bull allows her to return to land, but seeing his love for their child, she chooses to remain with the sea master.