Seek and Find; or, The Adventures of a Smart Boy

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27666

Title

Seek and Find; or, The Adventures of a Smart Boy

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this adventurous tale, smart boy Ernest Thornton rescues a frightened girl from a hostile stepmother on a lake. As he aids her escape, Ernest uncovers family secrets involving his uncle and a mysterious will, leading to a thrilling journey across the Hudson and to London where he must outwit a villainous relative to secure justice for himself and his new friend.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the picturesque region around Cannondale and Parkville, *Seek and Find; or, The Adventures of a Smart Boy* by Oliver Optic chronicles the moral and physical trials of Ernest Thornton, a youth distinguished by his good judgment and courage. The narrative begins with Ernest and his friend Bob Hale sailing their boat, the *Splash*, when they rescue Kate Loraine, a terrified girl who leaps into the lake to escape her cruel stepmother, Mrs. Loraine. Ernest secures Kate aboard and helps her evade her pursuer, Tom Thornton, who boards a steamer to intercept them. Onboard, Ernest protects Kate by securing her in a state-room and confronting Tom. Through tense dialogue, Ernest reveals that Tom and his father have suppressed his father's will and driven his mother into an asylum. Possessing a document proving his father's innocence and his rightful inheritance, Ernest challenges Tom to arrest him, confident that the truth will be revealed. Ernest and Kate eventually make landfall on the Hudson and continue their journey eastward. The story details Ernest's clever maneuvers as he outflanks Tom, a man of the world lacking moral principle. Ernest's interviews with various characters and his determination to expose the villainy of his uncle and Tom drive the plot forward. The narrative emphasizes themes of integrity, the importance of high aims, and the triumph of good intentions over hypocrisy. Ernest's smartness is not worldly cunning but is composed of noble character elements: good judgment, quick perception, and manly decision, mingled with moral and religious attributes. The tale concludes with Ernest returning to Parkville with his mother, having successfully defended his honor and secured the well-being of his new friend, Kate. The story serves as an instructive example for young readers, pointing to Ernest's high aims and encouraging them to emulate his integrity and resolve.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-03 22:09 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction