Desmond Blythe

Desmond Blythe is an American businessman who has made his fortune in hosiery, earning the nickname "Hosiery King." He enters the story aboard the Grand Korrigan, where a poker tournament is underway. Arthur Morgan takes a seat at Blythe's table with several other players. The field soon narrows until only Arthur and Blythe remain, leaving the wealthy merchant to face Arthur alone at the cards.

Blythe loses half his money in the game but refuses to leave the table. He puts up his valuable Reutlinger pocket watch instead, hoping to stay in the tournament. Arthur defeats him again, and Blythe forfeits the watch. The Reutlinger is held in a safe on the deck above, alongside the tournament money, and Arthur later takes both from the safe.

After losing his money and watch, Blythe drinks at the Grand Korrigan's bar. He speaks with Josiah Trelawny and accuses Arthur of cheating during the game. Blythe then notices Arthur and Trelawny behaving suspiciously as a guard reports that Javier Escuella has stolen his uniform. When the ship's guards confront Arthur, Trelawny and Javier, gunfire breaks out, and Blythe escapes the room.