The narrative follows the adventures of a young captain, Alick Garningham, who owns a steamer named Sylvania. The story begins with Alick and his cousin Owen Garningham discussing their plans to travel up the Mississippi River after returning to Jacksonville from Florida. Alick's father, Sir Bent Garningham, has canceled a charter agreement with Owen, leading to tension between the cousins. Alick decides to proceed with the trip, inviting the Shepards and Tiffanys to join them. As they prepare to sail, Alick reflects on past conspiracies involving his family, particularly a plot against him orchestrated by his cousin Owen and a man named Captain Boomsby. Alick's father, who has been absent, returns just in time to save him from danger. The narrative reveals that Alick's father is not dead, as he had been led to believe. The story takes a turn when Alick encounters a robbery involving a bank messenger, which leads to the discovery of a plot involving Nick Boomsby, Captain Boomsby's son. Nick is suspected of stealing a package of money, and Alick's suspicions grow as he learns of Nick's connection to the Islander, another steamer. As the Sylvania sets sail, Alick and his crew face various challenges, including a storm that forces them to seek shelter. They rescue the crew of a wrecked bark, the Olive, and learn more about the mysterious actions of the Islander and its captain, Blastblow. Tensions rise as Alick suspects that Nick and Cornwood, a conspirator, are involved in a scheme to run away with the Islander. The narrative culminates in a race against time as Alick and his crew attempt to catch up with the Islander. They navigate the treacherous waters of the Mississippi, facing obstacles and uncovering the truth behind the conspiracy. Ultimately, Alick's determination to reclaim his family's honor and protect his passengers drives the story forward, leading to a confrontation with the Islander and its crew. Throughout the tale, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice are explored, as Alick grapples with the complexities of family ties and the consequences of deception. The story concludes with Alick's resolve to confront the challenges ahead, determined to uncover the truth and restore order to his life.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1868 · Genre: Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction · 30 chapters