
In a remote forest clearing a humble cabin clings to the edge of decay, where Godfrey Evans and his family eke out a hard‑won existence. The father, once prosperous, now roams the woods with a rifle slung over his shoulder, his spirit dampened by loss, while his younger son, David, burns with restless energy and a yearning for something more. Their simple meals and makeshift furnishings paint a vivid picture of frontier hardship, setting the stage for an unexpected adventure.
When a mysterious stranger arrives, whispers of an old haunt and a long‑forgotten treasure begin to stir the household. David’s curiosity and determination pull him toward hidden clues, while the surrounding woods conceal secrets that could change their fortunes. The story unfolds with the charm of youthful daring against a backdrop of rugged wilderness, inviting listeners to follow the early steps of a treasure hunt that promises both danger and hope.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (341K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2018-03-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1842–1915
Best known for fast-moving adventure stories for young readers, this prolific 19th-century writer turned life on the frontier, at sea, and in the wilderness into page-turning fiction. Writing as Harry Castlemon, he became one of the most widely read authors of boys' books in his day.
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