Fire in the Woods
 Illustrated

by James De Mille

"Fire in the Woods" by James De Mille is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a group of adventurous boys—Bart, Phil, Pat—and their escapades in St. John during their summer vacation. The boys are particularly enchanted by the dense, uncharted wilderness and the dangerous allure of a pair of mysterious islands located in a nearby river. The opening of the novel establishes the boys' arrival in St. John, highlighting the thrilling and picturesque landscapes that captivate their imagination. Bart and his friends, especially Pat, are eager to explore the dangerous islands despite warnings from Bart's father. When a letter from their friend Bruce invites them to the Bay de Chaleur for an adventure, Phil and Pat set off secretly to fulfill their adventurous dreams, which leads to encounters that touch upon danger and resilience. As they navigate the river's strong currents towards the islands, their innocent curiosity quickly turns into a perilous struggle for survival, creating a sense of anticipation for the reader.