Picked up Adrift
 Illustrated

by James De Mille

"Picked up Adrift" by James De Mille is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a group of adventurous young boys and their captain as they embark on a sailing expedition aboard the Antelope, aiming to explore uninhabited islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Along their journey, they encounter various challenges and eccentric characters, as well as the excitement of exploration and camaraderie. The opening of the novel sets the stage for the boys' gathering on the deck of the Antelope to discuss their next destination after exhausting their previous adventures. In a lively parliamentary style, they debate various uninhabited islands, highlighting their distinct personalities and desires. As they eagerly commit to exploring the Magdalen Islands, they pay a visit to a mysterious fishing vessel, the Fawn-Gloucester, where they meet Tobias Ferguson, the quirky skipper full of ambitious ideas for modernization. The anticipation and humor of their interactions foreshadow the challenges and discoveries that await them, creating an engaging and lively tone that draws readers into their adventures.