Marine engineer William Joseph Cosens Lancaster came from a long line of Navy men and set out for his first tour of duty at the age of 15. However, his poor eyesight ended his nautical career soon afterwards. Instead, he began working as a designer of harbors. On the side, he penned a series of rollicking tales of nautical adventure under the pseudonym "Harry Collingwood." The engaging tale The Rover's Secret unfurls against the backdrop of the inlets and isles around what is now Cuba.