Harper's Round Table, July 21, 1896

A teenage New Yorker named Will Hall is whisked away from his schoolbooks and city streets to the sun‑baked Florida Keys, where his father and uncle are secretly ferrying Cuban patriots past Spanish patrols. The journey promises the excitement of sailing, tropical scenery, and the promise of an adventure far removed from his ordinary life. Arriving at his uncle’s remote beach house, Will discovers a world of swaying palms, endless sea, and a quiet cousin, Vic, who has spent her days keeping the household running alone.

Vic, a shy but capable fourteen‑year‑old, soon becomes Will’s unlikely guide to the island’s rugged life. Their first real test comes when she pulls out a rifle and, with surprising skill, hits target after target, leaving Will both impressed and a little uneasy. As they trade jokes and lessons in shooting, the pair begin to bridge the gap between city boy and country girl, hinting at deeper challenges that lie beyond the calm surf.