
On a moonless night along the Gulf’s fledgling breakwater, two freshly‑hired engineers find themselves alone on a narrow stone ledge that barely rises above the surf. The darkness is absolute, the sea restless, and the only guide is a flickering pocket flashlight that barely cuts through the inky curtain. Their task—overseeing the first stretch of a massive masonry wall—has turned into a test of nerves as the tide climbs and an unseen gale threatens to roll in.
Harry Hazelton’s uneasy mutterings clash with Tom Reade’s steady, reassuring humor, exposing a friendship forged in the heat of labor now strained by fear of the unknown. As they inch forward, the sense of something hidden beneath the waves grows, hinting at a mystery that could jeopardize more than just their footing. Listeners are drawn into the tense, atmospheric start of an adventure where engineering skill meets the raw power of nature, setting the stage for a story of courage, teamwork, and the secrets the Gulf might be keeping.
Full title
The Young Engineers on the Gulf Or, The Dread Mystery of the Million Dollar Breakwater
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (267K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-12-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1868–1922
Best known for fast-moving adventure stories for boys, this prolific American writer also worked as a chemist and newspaper reporter. His books, from military-school tales to outdoor adventures, helped shape popular juvenile fiction in the early 20th century.
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