
A modest countryman from the quiet village of Addlebrains steps into the story with a blend of humility and wit, offering a lively portrait of an untamed landscape where cliffs loom over restless seas and freedom is the rule of the day. His voice, peppered with self‑deprecating humor, paints a picture of early life far from the polished streets of New York, yet tinged with the aspirations of a man who once dared to dance under the tutelage of a celebrated French instructor.
When the charismatic Monsieur St. Leger Pied vanishes with the advance payment for the narrator’s dancing lessons, the loss becomes more than a financial slight—it sparks a series of awkward encounters, a bruised pride, and an unexpected flirtation with a charming young lady. As the narrator grapples with the fallout, the tale hints at broader adventures ahead, inviting listeners to follow his earnest quest for respect, companionship, and perhaps a purpose beyond the humble fields of his upbringing.
Language
en
Duration
~13 hours (793K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-03-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1805–1882
A 19th-century American writer best remembered for historical fiction, he also wrote for popular magazines and newspapers of his day. His books often turned New England history and colonial-era events into lively adventure stories.
View all books