Ready About by Oliver Optic (1882)

Name: Ready About
Author: Oliver Optic

The narrative follows Matt Randolph, a student at the Beech Hill Industrial School, who is dedicated to his responsibilities and moral principles. When his former friend, Spickles, arrives with a group of peers eager for summer fun on a chartered schooner, Matt firmly declines their invitation to join them, citing his commitment to the school's discipline and his decision to avoid bad company. Spickles, frustrated by Matt's resolve, attempts to persuade him to abandon his duties, but Matt remains steadfast. The story escalates when an explosion occurs at the school, revealing that a safe has been blown open, resulting in the theft of a significant amount of money. The principal, Captain Gildrock, and the students are thrown into a state of alarm. Dory Dornwood, another student, takes it upon himself to investigate the situation further, leading to a series of events that involve confrontations with the burglars, who are revealed to be members of the Nautifelers Club, including Spickles. Dory's bravery and quick thinking allow him to capture one of the burglars, Angy Spickles, after a struggle in a small boat. Dory and his instructor, Mr. Jepson, work together to secure the captured burglars and prevent their escape. The narrative highlights themes of morality, responsibility, and the consequences of one's choices, as Dory reflects on the importance of his actions and the impact they have on his future. As the story unfolds, the tension builds with the arrival of the police and the potential for further conflict with the remaining members of the Nautifelers Club. Dory's determination to uphold justice and protect his school culminates in a final confrontation, where he must navigate the challenges posed by the robbers and their plans. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes the significance of integrity and the strength of character in the face of adversity, as Dory and his peers confront the consequences of their actions and the importance of standing up for what is right. The story concludes with a sense of resolution as the characters come to terms with their experiences and the lessons learned throughout the ordeal.

By Oliver Optic · First published 1882 · Genre: Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction · 30 chapters · 70,941 words

First lines

"I can't go on board now, Spickles," said Matt Randolph, in a very decided tone, and with an expression on his manly face which indicated that he did not wish to go, even if he could.

"What's the reason you can't? " demanded Spickles, evidently very much dissatisfied with the decision of the other.

What this Textopian page supports

Ready About is listed on Textopian as a novel by Oliver Optic, dated 1882 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Oliver Optic
Date: 1882 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical
Length: 70,941 words
Structure: 30 chapters, 1,565 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Ready About by Oliver Optic
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Oliver Optic fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot centers around nautical adventures and the challenges faced at sea.
Young Adult — The themes and characters are geared towards a younger audience, focusing on growth and exploration.
Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, presenting imaginative scenarios and characters.
Coming-of-Age — The story involves personal growth and the transition from youth to adulthood.