
E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Matthew Wheaton,
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
A spirited country boy sets his sights on the upcoming Peach Bottom fair, hoping a simple game of knives and canes will raise enough money to settle his family’s mounting debts. With a modest loan from his generous uncle and a daring promise to the fair’s organizers, he dives head‑first into the bustling world of booths, rides, and eager crowds. The boy’s confidence and quick‑draw humor make his venture feel both earnest and slightly reckless, painting a vivid picture of rural life and youthful ambition.
Soon, his enthusiasm meets the unexpected: a sudden theft, bewildered townsfolk, and a series of puzzling clues that pull him into a makeshift detective role. As he scrambles to protect his stall and uncover the culprits, his resourcefulness shines, turning a modest side‑show into a lively adventure. Listeners will be drawn into his charming mishaps, the colorful characters he befriends, and the suspense of his first real test of courage—all set against the lively backdrop of a classic country fair.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (335K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-10-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1848–1912
Best known for Toby Tyler, this prolific American writer turned newspaper and circus experience into fast-moving stories that hooked generations of young readers. He wrote adventure tales, historical fiction, and series books under the name James Otis.
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