Harper's Young People, January 17, 1882 An Illustrated Weekly

Percy Vance arrives in a small town as the newest scholar at the grammar school, his delicate frame and earnest eyes earning him the nickname “the Prig.” Though the other boys tease him for his love of books, they soon forget their teasing when the first heavy snow of the season blankets the streets, inviting sled rides and spontaneous races down the steepest hill. Percy’s quiet confidence draws the attention of his classmates, Ted Harley and Dan Tregwin, who eager‑heartedly pull him into their winter games.

A dazzling sleigh drawn by four coal‑black horses glides past, and the boys, intrigued, coax the coachman into letting Percy take the reins. Their playful tug releases the startled horses, sending the carriage careening down the lane and forcing Percy to grasp the reins with all his might. Caught between exhilaration and fear, he discovers a sudden surge of bravery that hints at the unexpected adventures that lie ahead.