Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise of a Motorboat

by St. George Rathborne

"Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise of a Motorboat" by St. George Rathborne is a juvenile adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young boys, Phil Lancing and Larry Densmore, as they embark on a cruise down a winding river in Florida aboard a motorboat, encountering various challenges and characters along the way. The book promises a mix of outdoor adventure, friendship, and encounters with local lore, particularly surrounding the mysterious McGee family known for their rough reputation. The opening of the book introduces us to Phil and Larry as they prepare to set off on their adventure. The pair is eager to leave the small town behind and head into the wilds of the Florida swamps. While Phil is knowledgeable about the outdoors and mechanics, Larry is more naïve but filled with curiosity. As they begin their journey, they are interrupted by a posse led by Colonel Brashears, who is chasing a boy from the McGee family. This interaction foreshadows deeper conflicts to come and sets the stage for their unconventional adventure, particularly after they discover a stowaway, a determined boy named Tony, from the McGee family, who joins them on their journey.