
In the bustling warehouses of 18th‑century Bristol, a lanky seventeen‑year‑old named Don Lavington navigates the clamor of sugar‑hogsheads, rowdy laborers, and the ever‑present threat of the press‑gang. His sharp wit and easy charm keep him a step ahead of the rough‑spoken Jem Wimble and the drunken, swaggering Mike Bannock, whose constant bickering turns the yard into a stage for comic bravado.
Amid the creaking timber and the sweet scent of molasses, Don juggles family expectations, a newly married life, and the looming authority of his uncle, the stern merchant Josiah Christmas. The lively banter and vivid street‑level drama offer a snapshot of a world where ambition, loyalty, and humor collide, hinting at the larger adventures that await the young man beyond the yard’s wooden walls.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (615K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-05-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1831–1909
Best known for lively adventure stories and school tales, this Victorian writer also worked as a journalist, editor, and teacher. His books were especially popular with younger readers, blending brisk action with a strong sense of place and character.
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