Afloat; or, Adventures on Watery Trails

by Alan Douglas

"Afloat; or, Adventures on Watery Trails" by Captain Alan Douglas is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows a group of Boy Scouts, particularly focusing on the members of the Wolf Patrol, as they embark on an exciting quest to find and rescue a fellow scout, Hen Condit, who is accused of running away after robbing his guardian. Against the backdrop of their summer vacation, the scouts navigate through various challenges, emphasizing themes of friendship, bravery, and the values of scouting. The opening of the book introduces us to the characters gathered outside the town of Hickory Ridge, eagerly anticipating their next adventure. Conversations amongst the scouts reveal their camaraderie and set a light-hearted tone, but this soon shifts when the news breaks that their comrade Hen Condit has allegedly stolen money and disappeared. Led by the responsible patrol leader, Elmer, the boys decide they must clear Hen's name and track him down, leading them into the twists and turns of the mysterious Sassafras Swamp. Through discussions and planning, the boys demonstrate the qualities of teamwork and courage, setting the stage for an adventurous narrative filled with potential dangers and the excitement of the unknown.