G. Harvey (George Harvey) Ralphson
Boy Scouts in Southern Waters; Or, Spaniard's Treasure Chest
"Boy Scouts in Southern Waters; Or, Spaniard's Treasure Chest" by G. Harvey Ralphson is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of four teenage boys, members of the Beaver Patrol from Chicago, as they journey on their motorboat, the Fortuna, through the Gulf of Mexico. Amidst thick fog and unpredictable weather, they encounter various challenges that set the stage for an adventure tied to the mysterious Spanish treasure chest rumored to be hidden nearby. The opening of the book introduces Jack, Harry, Tom, and Arnold, as they bravely navigate their vessel through the fog while experiencing playful banter and displaying their skills as Boy Scouts. However, their lightheartedness quickly gives way to a sense of foreboding when Jack expresses his uneasiness about the journey. Just as they begin to settle into their adventures, a sudden collision in the fog leads to the rescue of a mysterious stranger named Carlos, who was in a small boat. This incident foreshadows trouble ahead, as the boys attempt to understand the enigma of their rescuer alongside the treacherous hints of the treasure they are unknowingly entangled with, driving their adventure deeper into danger.