Book details
A Cousin's Conspiracy; Or, A Boy's Struggle for an Inheritance
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 26630
- Title
- A Cousin's Conspiracy; Or, A Boy's Struggle for an Inheritance
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
Set in 1830s Iowa, this classic moral tale follows Ernest Ray, a boy raised by his dying uncle, Peter. When Peter reveals Ernest is the rightful heir to a wealthy but estranged cousin, Ernest must navigate family intrigue, escape a cave occupied by outlaws, and prove his worth to secure his inheritance.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
In western Iowa, the dying Peter Brant cares for his ward, Ernest Ray, the son of his deceased cousin Stephen Ray. Stephen had been disinherited by his wealthy uncle due to a marriage to a woman of lower station. Peter reveals that Stephen's own cousin, the current heir, rejected financial aid for Ernest, insisting the boy earn his own living. Before passing, Peter leaves Ernest a small sum and a letter detailing his true lineage. Ernest discovers bonds hidden in his uncle's trunk, which were stolen by outlaws known as the Fox brothers. While hiding in a cave with a young boy named Frank, Ernest manages to escape through a trapdoor. He is soon confronted by one of the Fox brothers, who recognizes him. A chase ensues, during which Ernest is captured again. Just as the outlaw gains the upper hand, a mysterious figure intervenes to rescue Ernest, though the text cuts off before fully resolving the confrontation or detailing the final outcome of the inheritance dispute. The narrative highlights themes of resilience, the harsh realities of poverty versus wealth, and the moral complexities of family loyalty. Ernest's journey from a humble cabin to a life of danger underscores the struggle for self-reliance and the quest for justice against those who seek to deprive him of his rightful inheritance. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of integrity in the face of adversity.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26630.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg26630.epub - Downloaded at
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People
Authors
- Jr. Horatio Alger
Classification
Categories
- Adventure
- Fiction