All Adrift; Or, The Goldwing Club

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25577

Title

All Adrift; Or, The Goldwing Club

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Lake Champlain region, this adventure follows Dory Dornwood, a spirited but misunderstood boy waiter accused of stealing money to buy a sailboat. As he flees a relentless pursuit by a suspicious passenger named Pearl Hawlinshed, Dory must clear his name while navigating nautical challenges and proving his integrity to his friends in the Goldwing Club. The story blends fast-paced maritime action with themes of honesty, ingenuity, and the value of skilled labor.

Summary up to 500 words

In Oliver Optic's *All Adrift; Or, The Goldwing Club*, the narrative follows Dory Dornwood, a spirited young waiter on a Lake Champlain steamer who faces unjust criticism from a difficult passenger, Major Billcord. Despite the friction, Dory uses his earnings to purchase a sailboat, the *Goldwing*, a secret he guards to protect a benefactor. His new vessel attracts the attention of the Goldwing Club, but their peaceful sailing is interrupted by Pearl Hawlinshed, a young man who accuses Dory of stealing money from a hotel. Pearl's pursuit leads to a dramatic chase across the lake involving the steamer *Missisquoi*, which eventually runs aground on Colchester Shoal. While Dory's friends debate his innocence, he decides to return to Plattsburgh to 'face the music' rather than flee. Upon arrival, Dory meets Mr. Moody, the victim of the alleged theft, and Mr. Peppers, a detective investigating the case. The detective reveals that Pearl is not an officer acting on official business, effectively clearing Dory of the immediate charge. The story highlights themes of integrity, resourcefulness, and the importance of practical skills. It introduces Captain Royal Gildrock, a wealthy retired shipmaster dedicated to educating mechanics and fostering character in boys through hands-on instruction in useful arts. The novel serves as the first volume of the *Boat-Builder Series*, promising further adventures that blend entertainment with educational value, focusing on boat-building, sailing, and moral development for young readers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Sailing
• Ship Captains