About the book

Seventeen-year-old Dean Mercer abandons the legal career his family has imagined for him and sets his hopes on Lake Seneca's transport business. His plans promise new activity for sleepy Millville, but a rival enterprise has reasons to prevent them from succeeding. An early intervention on behalf of the bullied Marcus Ellison also wins Dean an enemy whose resentment can be put to use. Money, important papers, and the proposed new steamer become vulnerable points in a struggle that soon exceeds ordinary business competition. Franklin links a young man's effort to establish himself with a second boy's urgent family difficulties. The adventure tests Dean's independence through deception and physical danger, asking whether the confidence that led him out of the office can survive a deliberately obstructed path.

Youthful ambition
Business rivalry
Loyalty under pressure

Why read it

The lake's transport economy gives Dean's ambitions a concrete project and his opponents specific ways to interfere.

English Street & Smith text with the 1909 copyright, issued as Alger Series no. 175 under Roy Franklin's name

Contents and reading sections

About the book

Why read it

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