
A warm June afternoon finds two sisters perched on the prow of a beached rowboat at Carter’s Landing, a lively riverside spot where pleasure‑boats, candy stalls, and a bustling pavilion create a picture‑perfect summer scene. Their quiet reverie is interrupted when a striking girl in a white Russian blouse glides in on a red canoe, offering bright‑wrapped sweets and a brief, friendly exchange that hints at hidden motives. As the river’s gentle hum surrounds them, the girls’ innocent chatter masks a subtle tension that suggests not everything on the water is as carefree as it seems.
The story quickly draws listeners into the rhythms of the Manituck River, the clatter of dockside activity, and the curious personalities that populate this summer haven. Beneath the sun‑lit surface, whispered questions arise: Who sent the mysterious canoe, and why does the newcomer seem unusually eager to share her candy? The opening promises a gentle mystery that unfolds against a vivid, nostalgic backdrop, inviting you to follow the clues and discover what lies beneath the idyllic summer day.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (192K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Annie R. McGuire. This book was produced from scanned images of public domain material from the Google Print archive.
Release date
2012-06-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1879–1950
Best known for fast-moving mystery stories for young readers, this early 20th-century American writer built a loyal audience with suspenseful adventures and clever amateur detectives. Her books were especially popular with children who loved puzzles, hidden clues, and seaside or small-town settings.
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