Charles Duran Or, The Career of a Bad Boy By the author of "The Waldos"

Set against the gentle rhythms of a New England homestead, the story follows a lively boy born into a comfortable, flower‑laden farmstead near the Connecticut River. His parents, eager but indulgent, watch as his curiosity turns from innocent exploration into stubborn defiance, especially when school proves a battleground of discipline and rivalry. The narrative captures his early days of hunting, fishing, and the restless energy that fuels a series of small rebellions.

Through vivid descriptions of the house’s yellow façade, fragrant garden, and the nearby stream teeming with trout, the author paints a world where moral instruction competes with the boy’s growing appetite for risk. Interactions with classmates and stern teachers reveal his penchant for lying, Sabbath‑breaking, and other mischief that strain his family’s patience. As tensions mount, the tale hints at a night of reckless celebration that could change his path forever, leaving listeners to contemplate the cost of unchecked waywardness.