
On a sweltering July day the Severn rolls past the historic town of Tewkesbury, its banks crowded with spectators for the annual rowing clash between two public schools. The Western crew, led by the determined seventeen‑year‑old Guy Hardcastle, claws back from a half‑length deficit to snatch a thrilling victory, his steady blue‑gray eyes reflecting both youthful confidence and a quiet self‑reliance.
The celebration is shattered when a nearby boat capsizes, throwing several passengers into the fast‑moving current. Without hesitation, Guy sheds his shoes, plunges into the water and battles the river’s pull to save a struggling teenage girl, aided at last by his house‑master’s timely rescue boat. His brave, unstudied heroism hints at the larger trials that await him beyond this riverbank.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (438K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-07-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1854–1937
Best known for vivid books on wildlife, hunting, and South Africa, this late-Victorian writer brought the natural world to life from firsthand travel and observation. His work also reflects the sporting culture of his era, blending adventure, field knowledge, and a strong sense of place.
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