While chronologically Stevenson’s work occurs first in this study, in many ways he goes much further than those who follow in dismantling the basic tenets of imperialism as exemplified in fiction, especially as seen in genre. This chapter examines the novella The Ebb-Tide (1894), which pushes up against the limits of the adventure romance, ultimately abandoning it. The Ebb-Tide empties the adventure romance genre of most of its notable features: admirable heroes, notions of honour, bravery and decency, and the rewards that generally come with these characteristics in such fiction. Although it begins with similar elements, potentially initiating an exciting tale of derring-do, the narrative quickly moves from the imperial adventure to recount a nightmare voyage that has its denouement on an unknown island. The events that occur on this island reveal the emptiness and corruption that underlie imperialism, especially three major prongs of empire: mission, trade and colonial government. The novella is preoccupied with the question of what makes a man, using the connections and contests between first three, then four, Euro-American characters to explore this question. While doing so, it shows its Pacific Islander characters to be expendable in this tale of white men.