The Ne'er-Do-Well

by Rex Beach

"The Ne'er-Do-Well" by Rex Beach is a novel probably written during the early 20th century. The story begins with Kirk Anthony, a charming yet irresponsible young man and the son of Darwin K. Anthony, a prominent railroad magnate. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of youthful exuberance, scandals, and the challenges of modern life, particularly centered around Kirk's conflict with his father's expectations and his own apparent shortcomings. At the start of the book, the bustling atmosphere of Broadway sets the stage for Kirk Anthony's life, who is both celebrated and criticized for his privileged lifestyle and reckless behavior. He is caught up in the excitement of a recent football game where he played a significant coaching role, leading a team to victory despite adverse circumstances. However, alongside this admiration comes a sense of disapproval from those around him, particularly regarding his lifestyle choices and associations, especially with his dubious friend, Adelbert Higgins. As the story progresses, Kirk finds himself embroiled in an unpredictable night, leading to a mistaken identity involving a ticket that sends him on a ship to Panama, unraveling a series of events that challenge his character and ultimately affect his destiny.