
In a sleepy Pennsylvania town, three friends—Philip, Phœnix, and the ever‑energetic Chapman—spend their long summer days dreaming of river life. Chap, a boy who loves the water more than school, yearns to command a tug‑boat and feel the power of pulling great ships along the current. Their camaraderie and the promise of adventure set the stage for a journey that will test their courage and curiosity.
When Chap bursts onto the train platform with news of a chance to see real tug‑boats, the trio follows him to the bustling breakwater, where the river’s roar beckons. Together they discover a hidden world of river pilots, mysterious currents, and a daring plan that could make Chap’s captain dream a reality. Their first venture beyond the familiar banks hints at larger exploits awaiting them. As they set their sights on the open water, the river seems to whisper promises of both danger and discovery.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (340K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1896.
Credits
Tim Lindell, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
Release date
2023-01-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1834–1902
Best remembered for the classic story "The Lady, or the Tiger?", this American writer delighted readers with witty fantasy, fairy tales, and cleverly puzzling plots. His work was hugely popular in the late 19th century and still feels fresh for its playful imagination.
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