The boys of the "Puffin"

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

74975

Title

The boys of the "Puffin"

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A thrilling British boys' adventure featuring the Aberstour Sea Scouts. When their master is away, a new leader arrives, but trouble strikes when the yacht drifts aground and a mysterious stranger is captured. The story blends nautical peril, stormy seas, and a dramatic rescue, appealing to young readers who love maritime mysteries and heroic teamwork.

Summary up to 500 words

In Percy F. Westerman's *The Boys of the 'Puffin',* a group of Sea Scouts in Aberstour prepares their eight-ton yacht, the *Puffin*, for a cruise under the leadership of their Scoutmaster, Mr. Grant. However, Grant is unexpectedly delayed by urgent business, prompting the arrival of a replacement, Mr. Gregory. The voyage begins smoothly, but a sudden storm breaks, causing the yacht to break adrift and run aground on the Tinker Shoal. Left alone on the stranded vessel is Deputy Scoutmaster Peter Craddock and a mysterious captive. Despite the storm's fury, Peter manages to secure the yacht and tends to the stranger, who is revealed to be ill rather than a threat. They successfully refloat the vessel and return to port, only to discover that the rest of the troop is searching desperately for Peter, who has vanished during a calm night. The narrative shifts to the *Thetis*, a ship captained by Mr. Clifton, which finds the *Puffin* drifting. Peter is presumed lost after falling overboard in the darkness, a tragedy that devastates his family and the Scoutmaster. For two weeks, the search continues in vain, with the sea refusing to yield Peter's body. Just as hope fades, a letter arrives from Peter, written from the merchant marine in Bahia, Brazil. He reports that he has survived, joined the crew of the *S.S. Boanerges*, and is now rated as an Able Seaman. The story concludes with a heartwarming revelation of Peter's resilience and adventures, exploring themes of loyalty, the perils of the sea, and the enduring spirit of young sailors.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/74975.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg74975.epub

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2026-07-05 21:37 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction