
Harry Vane has just lost his father and finds himself placed under the care of a stern, profit‑driven guardian who seems more interested in the boy’s potential inheritance than his welfare. Determined not to become a pawn in another’s scheme, he slips away with only a modest letter and a hope for something better. His chance encounter with a charismatic magician offers him a surprising apprenticeship, turning a simple escape into the start of a genuine partnership.
Together they set out on the open road, trading the cramped confines of a stagecoach for the limitless horizons of America’s countryside. Along the way they face narrow escapes, unexpected kindness, and a string of lively mishaps that test both courage and quick thinking. Listeners will find a warm tale of friendship, resilience, and the promise that a good heart can find its way even when the world seems unfriendly.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (155K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Karen Fabrizius, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team This HTML file produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-09-01
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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