
A bright, ambitious youth named Walter Sherwood has just begun his sophomore year at a bustling New England college. While his athletic prowess and social charm win him admiration, the cost of campus life quickly outpaces his modest allowance, prompting an uneasy letter to his guardian, Doctor Mack. The doctor, a seasoned physician now in his sixties, wrestles with the dilemma of supporting Walter’s lavish pursuits or steering him toward more prudent habits.
Compelled to see the situation firsthand, Doctor Mack arranges a discreet visit to the college, hoping to gauge Walter’s character beyond the polished façade of clubs and sports. As he prepares for the journey, the story captures the tension between youthful exuberance and the responsibilities that accompany inherited wealth. Listeners will be drawn into a gentle, moral tale of mentorship, ambition, and the delicate balance of guidance and independence.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (251K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team HTML file produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-06-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1832–1899
Best known for stories of poor boys who rise through grit, luck, and good character, this 19th-century American writer helped shape the classic “rags-to-riches” tale. His hugely popular juvenile novels became a lasting part of American culture.
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