The Pioneer Boys of the Columbia; or, In the Wilderness of the Great Northwest

by St. George Rathborne

"The Pioneer Boys of the Columbia; or, In the Wilderness of the Great Northwest" by Harrison Adams is a historical adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows young pioneers Dick and Roger Armstrong as they embark on a perilous journey through the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest in the early 1800s. Faced with the dangers of the untamed landscape and the evolving complexities of their expedition, the boys exemplify bravery and resourcefulness typical of their time. At the start of the story, the Armstrong cousins are preparing to run the treacherous rapids of the Yellowstone River. Their initial excitement takes a sharp turn when their canoe, sabotaged by an unknown enemy, capsizes, forcing them to swim for their lives. After gathering themselves, they realize that they have been targeted by a traitor within their expedition, possibly linked to the unscrupulous French trader François Lascelles, who seeks revenge for their previous confrontations. As the story unfolds, readers can expect to see how the boys navigate both the physical challenges of the wilderness and the threats posed by human malice, setting the stage for a gripping adventure filled with excitement and danger.