The Boy Fortune Hunters in China

A lively young purser named Sam Steele narrates his unexpected plunge into adventure after his modest merchant yacht, the Seagull, races to the scene of a disastrous steamship wreck near Hawaii. While rescuing the stranded passengers, Sam uncovers clues that set him and his eclectic crew—including his seasoned sea‑captain father and shrewd trader uncle—on a course toward the bustling ports of China.

Arriving in Canton, they encounter the vibrant tapestry of Chinese customs, from reverent ancestor worship to the secretive influence of court eunuchs. Sam’s curiosity and the crew’s knack for seizing opportunity draw them into a series of daring exploits that test their courage and wits, all while offering a vivid glimpse into a world far removed from their New England roots. The first act balances thrilling maritime rescue with the intrigue of a foreign land, promising listeners a blend of historical flavor and youthful daring.