
audiobook
by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
Chapter One. - A Tale of Adventure in South America. - At the Foot of the Mountain Range.
Chapter Two. - Compact with the New Friend and Discovery of an Old One.
Chapter Three. - Lingual Difficulties Accompanied by Physical Dangers and followed by the Advent of Banditti.
Chapter Four. - In which Quashy is Communicative and an Enemy is Turned into a Friend.
Chapter Five. - Lawrence and Quashy become “Flosuffical,” and they camp out beside the “Giant’s Castle.”
Chapter Six. - A Storm in the Mountains—Refuge found—Converse round the Fire.
Chapter Seven. - Things begin to look Brighter—The Guide’s Story.
Chapter Eight. - A New Acquaintance and a Change of Scene.
Chapter Nine. - Tells of a Tremendous Catastrophe.
Chapter Ten. - Recounts some Terrible and some Vigorous Deeds.
In the highlands of the Andes, a hulking Englishman makes his slow ascent on a stubborn mule, his mismatched attire and booming presence marking him as an unlikely explorer. Though lacking grace, his gentle voice to the animal and the kindness in his beard‑streaked face reveal a heart more curious than cruel. The rugged landscape frames his solitary trek, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead.
At a wind‑swept ridge he spots a striking duo: a young indigenous woman riding a mule with the confidence of a seasoned rider, and a dark‑eyed Spanish‑looking companion armed and wary. Their brief exchange, half in broken Spanish and half in careful English, sparks a tentative friendship that promises shared secrets of the mountains. Together they stand on the brink of a journey that may test loyalty, courage, and the very meaning of home.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (525K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-06-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1825–1894
Best known for The Coral Island, he turned real travel and frontier experience into brisk, memorable adventure stories for young readers. His books helped shape Victorian juvenile fiction and still carry the energy of firsthand observation.
View all books
by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne