Haste and Waste; Or, the Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. A Story for Young People

A brisk breeze sweeps over Lake Champlain as the sloop Missisque pushes forward, its deck crowded with lumber and a bright‑sunlit crew. Fourteen‑year‑old Lawry Wilford, the boat’s eager pilot, spots a gathering squall and shouts a warning to Captain John, his calm yet stubborn commander. The lake’s smooth surface belies the sudden threat, and the young helmsman’s concern for the impending storm mixes with a practical worry about keeping dinner portions steady for the crew.

On board, the distinguished passenger—a bank director bound for Shoreham—tries to mask his dread with a veneer of dignity, while the captain refuses to let a cloud ruin his meal. As the clouds thicken, the story captures the clash of youthful vigilance, seasoned authority, and the unsettling promise of nature’s power. Listeners will be drawn into a vivid, slice‑of‑life adventure that balances humor, responsibility, and the excitement of a teenage sailor confronting his first real test on the water.