Harper's Young People, August 15, 1882 An Illustrated Weekly

Four adventurous friends—Charley, Tom, Harry and Joe—dream of a canoe expedition, but the price tags quickly drown their enthusiasm. With only a handful of pocket‑money, they turn to a clever plan: sell their beloved sail‑boat, the Ghost, and hope for a lucky find on the harbor’s old brig. Their gamble pays off when a generous captain rewards each boy with a crisp hundred‑dollar bill, enough to buy the vessels and set the plan in motion.

Eager to choose the right craft, the boys seek counsel from the town’s seasoned canoe Commodore, who refuses a single answer and instead points them to four seasoned paddlers, each favoring a different design. The youngsters set off to interview these experts, gathering a mosaic of opinions that promise to shape their upcoming water‑borne adventure. Along the way, they discover the value of teamwork, perseverance, and the excitement of charting a course through both rivers and youthful ambition.