Harper's Young People, October 5, 1880

Tom Lockyer and his two cousins spend a bright summer day racing through the Canadian woods, climbing trees, scrambling over rocks and laughing until they’re covered in mud and scratches. Their boundless energy leads them to a high ridge overlooking a roaring river that narrows into a dramatic cascade—“a perfect Niagara in miniature.” The boys set down for lunch, eyes fixed on the thundering water and the rugged cliffs that frame it, while Tom boasts of his familiar canoe routes and the secret portage that skirts the falls.

After their meal, the trio wanders toward the water’s edge, where they spot a lone canoe careening down the rapid currents. A sudden mishap leaves the paddler helpless as the boat is tossed toward the precipice, and the boys rush to see if they can help. Their youthful bravado meets a sudden test of courage as the river’s fury threatens to overwhelm the lone adventurer, leaving the friends to decide how far they’ll go to rescue a stranger in peril.