
Chapter One. - The Twin Rivers—A Busy Scene—Old Friends with New Faces—The Building of the Great Ship—People’s Opinions—Ralph’s Highland Home.
Chapter Two. - The Dinner by the Lake—Rory’s Run Round Africa—The Return of the Wanderers.
Chapter Three. - Retrospection—Ralph’s Home in England—A Hearty if not Poetic Welcome.
Chapter Four. - Life at Leigh Hall—The Launch of the “Arrandoon”—Trial Trips—A Row and a Fight—“Freezing Powders.”
Chapter Five. - Danger on the Deep—A Forest of Waterspouts—The “Arrandoon” is Swamped—The Warning.
Chapter Six. - A Life on the Ocean Wave—On the Rocks—Mystery—A Home on the Rolling Deep.
Chapter Seven. - Sandie McFlail, M.D.—“Wha Wouldna’ be a Sea-Bird?”—The Girl Tells Her Strange Adventures—Nightfall on the Sea.
Chapter Eight. - A Gale from the Mountains—Daybreak in Iceland—The Great Balloon Ascent—Rory’s Yarn—The Snow-Cloud—The Pirate is Seen.
Chapter Nine. - Mount Hekla—The Great Geyser—A Narrow Escape—The Search for the Pirate—McBain’s Little “Ruse de Guerre”—The Battle Begun.
Chapter Ten. - “Down with the Red Flag and up with the Black!”—Victory—An Old Acquaintance—Hie, for the North.
In the mist‑clad Highlands of Scotland, two newborn rivers begin their quiet trek toward the sea, their waters whispering of poets, battles, and the rugged beauty of the Clyde and the Tweed. The narrative treats the rivers as lively companions, each with its own temperament—one daring, the other more cautious—while the surrounding landscape brims with ancient castles, bustling towns, and the echo of historic skirmishes. Through lyrical description the listener is drawn into a world where nature and legend flow together, setting the stage for a grand adventure.
As the bold Clyde gathers strength from countless burns and streams, it dreams of becoming a mighty conduit for commerce and courage, carrying a newly built ship toward distant horizons. Along the way it brushes past storied sites such as Bothwell’s ruins and the thriving port of Glasgow, hinting at the challenges and alliances that await. This opening promises a tale of bravery, community, and the relentless pull of destiny, inviting listeners to follow the river’s spirited journey across a land steeped in myth.
Full title
Wild Adventures round the Pole Or, The Cruise of the "Snowbird" Crew in the "Arrandoon"
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (551K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2011-12-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1840–1910
A Scottish naval surgeon turned storyteller, he poured his love of travel, animals, and outdoor life into fast-moving adventure tales for young readers. His books mix brisk action with the confidence of someone who had seen ships, storms, and distant places for himself.
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