
Ernest Thornton is a bright, earnest youth whose curiosity and sense of responsibility set him apart. While cruising the lake in his little sailboat with his friend Bob, he encounters a sudden, frightened cry that leads them to a young girl in distress on a nearby pier. Ernest’s quick perception and innate decency compel him to investigate, offering a glimpse of the moral courage that will guide his adventures.
The story unfolds against a sunny summer backdrop of lakeside estates, where the gentle breezes and scenic gardens create a vivid, welcoming world. As Ernest and Bob grapple with the mystery behind the girl’s panic, readers are drawn into a tale that balances lighthearted exploration with the challenges of youthful bravery. The narrative promises an engaging mix of friendship, problem‑solving, and the timeless lesson that good intentions drive true heroism.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (320K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2008-12-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1822–1897
A 19th-century American storyteller and educator, he wrote lively adventure books for young readers under the pen name Oliver Optic. His tales of ships, schools, and moral choices made him one of the best-known juvenile authors of his era.
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