Harper's Young People, May 17, 1881

A lively band of boys spends weeks turning a modest hull into a sleek little yacht, guiding each nail and sail with the enthusiasm of true adventurers. When the final touches are in place, they debate dozens of names before a cheeky suggestion—“Ghost”—wins, and the name is painted in bold letters on the stern. Their excitement is tempered only by the misfortune of their friend Jim, who breaks his leg just days before departure, yet insists they set sail and keep him company through letters.

On a bright Monday morning the Ghost slips off the Harlem shoreline, the boys dividing into watches and learning the rhythm of steering, jib handling, and center‑board trim. Navigating a bustling river crowded with ferries and steamboats, they quickly master the language of whistles, discovering that short blasts signal a vessel’s intended turn. Through teamwork and a few close calls, the boys taste the freedom of the water while keeping Jim’s spirit alive, promising to write him home about every daring maneuver.