
A lively group of the Dunlee family sets off for the remote mountain town of Castle Cliff, hoping to brighten a father's spirits and give the children a taste of adventure. Their bright, flag‑adorned tallyho rattles up the winding road, while Lucy’s imagination runs wild with dreams of gold mines that never were. Along the way, the siblings chatter about California’s fragrant orchards, fluttering butterflies, and the promise of fresh air, painting a picture of youthful curiosity against a picturesque landscape.
Inside the coach, older relatives swap stories while the youngsters sing, play, and tease each other, especially as Lucy frets about missing her dear friend Bab. The journey’s playful banter and the vivid scenery set the stage for a summer of exploration, family bonds, and the small, everyday wonders that turn an ordinary trip into a memorable escapade.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (142K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Release date
2005-01-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1833–1906
Remembered for lively, warmhearted stories for children, this 19th-century American writer helped shape early popular fiction for young readers. Writing as Sophie May, she became especially beloved for the Little Prudy books and other tales filled with family life, humor, and everyday adventures.
View all books