
Twelve‑year‑old Arthur Dale Dustin feels like an outsider among his boisterous cousins, watching from the fence while they race to climb the towering derrick at his uncle’s oil well. The summer heat of the oil fields fuels his yearning for a real adventure, and when a chance visit leaves the drilling site empty, he watches the daring feats of his older cousin with equal parts awe and envy. Though he obeys his uncle’s warning and stays clear of the moving beam, the spark of curiosity ignites something deeper within him.
Soon a mysterious visitor—his own fairy‑godmother—appears with a curious gift that promises a taste of the extraordinary. Guided by this new ally, Arthur finds himself drawn into the bustling world of oil rigs, roaring flames, and risky exploits that test his courage. The first chapters blend the excitement of a youthful quest with the raw, smoky backdrop of the petroleum industry, offering listeners a vivid portrait of bravery, friendship, and the thrill of stepping into the unknown.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (314K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2020-04-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1850–1930
Adventure, the outdoors, and a strong sense of fairness run through these classic stories. Best known for writing for young readers, this American author also cared deeply about conservation and life in Florida.
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