Harper's Young People, November 1, 1881 An Illustrated Weekly

A young boy named Ben Buttles spends his afternoons on the sea, dreaming of the thrill of a good catch. When he sets out in a modest dory near the “Breaking Shoals,” a sudden gust and an unexpected pull on his line reveal a massive halibut battling beneath the waves. The excitement of landing the fish quickly shifts to urgency as a growing gale darkens the horizon and the sea begins to churn.

Ben’s skill and determination keep the small boat steady, but the storm takes its toll—an oar snaps, and the wind threatens to capsize the vessel. Using clever knots and quick reflexes, he rigs a makeshift repair while struggling to steer toward the distant light of Covert Point. The tense, wind‑swept chase sets the stage for a daring showdown between a boy’s courage and nature’s fury.