Plane and Plank; or, The Mishaps of a Mechanic

A bright‑eyed youth named Phil Farringford drifts down the Missouri River, dreaming of a steady trade that will keep him grounded. On the steamer’s deck he debates with his friend Gracewood the merits of learning a craft, worrying that once he masters it his curiosity might carry him elsewhere. The river’s bustling ports and the strange new towns spark his imagination, and he soon finds himself in St. Louis, eager to prove himself as a mechanic‑carpenter.

As Phil begins his apprenticeship, the story gently contrasts his earnest, hard‑working nature with the hubris of those who think skill alone guarantees success. Along the way, he confronts the shadow of his father’s drinking problem, discovering how prayer, honest effort, and Christian compassion can mend more than just broken boards. Listeners will be drawn into Phil’s early trials, feeling the tug of the river and the promise of a life built on steady purpose.