
A SON OF THE STATE
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
In the noisy heart of early‑1900s London, a wiry street‑kid named Bobbie Lancaster darts through crowded courts and bustling pubs, his quick wit and sharp tongue matching the clamor around him. When a sudden accident erupts near the public house, the boy finds himself thrust into the centre of a frantic police inquest, his testimony suddenly worth more than the cheap handkerchief he tucks a shilling into. The scene is alive with brash characters—a fiery shopkeeper, a gruff constable, and a nervous carpenter—each adding their own colour to the chaotic scramble for answers.
As the authorities scramble to piece together what happened, Bobbie’s youthful perspective becomes both a liability and a surprising advantage. He must navigate the pressure of adult expectations while staying true to his own street‑wise instincts, all under the watchful eyes of curious onlookers. The story captures a vivid slice of urban life, where the line between innocence and responsibility blurs in the rush of the crowd.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (353K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Aug 16, 2018
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1859–1930
Known for warm, witty stories about everyday London life, this English novelist had a sharp ear for working-class speech and a gift for turning ordinary moments into memorable fiction. His books were especially admired for their humor and lively Cockney characters.
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