Culum

Oh she conceded outward position and face to Culum and following tai-pans but she kept the books, she hired and fired through him — she was the strength of that family.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

When Culum was dying, it was easy to persuade him to make her tai-pan.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

That'd be enough to send any mother around the bend, that and the hatred and envy that surrounded Culum and her all their lives.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

She and Culum had seven children, four sons and three daughters.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

I told Culum the same thing, and the Hag when they were equally young — Culum never listened but the Hag did.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

He gave orders, assumed control, treated Culum and Tess like children … he sent Tess aboard his ship, the White Witch, and told Culum to be aboard by sunset or else.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

He hunted down that hunchback called Stride Orlov who ruled the ships of the Noble House for Culum the Weak.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

In any event Culum refused to budge so here we are.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

They had one son who was my grandfather — he was tai-pan after Culum.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981

Somehow or other — no one knows why or how Culum got the courage — my God, Culum was only twenty then and Tess barely sixteen — but Culum ordered Orlov to go aboard the White Witch and fetch his wife ashore.

Noble House Clavell, James 1981