Chapter I: Preface

"STEM TO STERN" is the fourth volume of the "BOAT-BUILDER SERIES." Most of the characters connected with the Beech Hill Industrial School continue to take part in the action of the story. Like its predecessors, a considerable portion of the work is devoted to business and mechanical information. The writer finds it quite impracticable to give as minute directions for the building of a boat as a few of his young readers may desire, for the entire volume would hardly afford sufficient space for all the details of planning and constructing a yacht. But he has endeavored to impart some information in a general way in regard to shipbuilding, and has indicated in what manner the ambitious young boat-builder may obtain the amplest instruction in this difficult art. It is necessary to assure his young friends that, with all the book-knowledge it is possible to obtain on the subject, it will require a great deal of skill and not a little scientific and technical learning to enable him to construct anything more elaborate than an ordinary flatboat. Nothing but assiduous practice can procure the skill, and nothing but hard study the geometrical and technical details of the art.

As in the preceding volumes of the series, "STEM TO STERN" is largely a story of adventure on Lake Champlain and its shores. A new character is introduced as the leading spirit of the story, whose struggles with the difficulties in his life-path can hardly fail to interest the young reader. Though he is peaceful and submissive under ordinary circumstances, with none of the swellish importance of many boys of his years, he is not a milk-and-water youth, and has pluck and strength enough to "stand up" for those whom misfortune has placed under his protection.

Although the two remaining volumes of the series are especially devoted to rigging and sailing a boat, the present and the preceding books incidentally treat of these subjects. While so many young men on the sea, lakes and rivers seem to inherit or early acquire a taste for boats and boating, it is important that they should understand the theory of managing a sailing craft, though nothing but intelligent practice can make a competent "skipper." With such knowledge and skill, boat-sailing is a safe, as well as a healthy and improving sport.

As in former volumes, the writer has endeavored to interest his young readers in mechanical operations and pursuits; and he hopes the series will contribute its mite in influencing boys to respect manual labor and to adopt it as a pastime or the business of life.

DORCHESTER, MASS., August 17, 1885.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. PAGE LILY BRISTOL AND HER TORMENTOR 13

CHAPTER II.

THE SON OF TOIL FIGHTS HIS OWN BATTLE 25

CHAPTER III.

THE FINAL MANDATE OF MAJOR BILLCORD 35

CHAPTER IV.

THE ABSENCE OF THE TRUANT DRAGON 45

CHAPTER V.

THE GOLDWING AT SANDY POINT 55

CHAPTER VI.

A CALL FOR ALL HANDS AT BEECH HILL 65

CHAPTER VII.

AN EXPEDITION BY MOONLIGHT 75

CHAPTER VIII.

A CHANGE OF LOCATION 85

CHAPTER IX.

THE JANITOR OF THE BOAT-HOUSE 95

CHAPTER X.

A LECTURE ON SHIP-BUILDING 105

CHAPTER XI.

ROUGH WATER ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN 117

CHAPTER XII.

A SAILBOAT IN THE TROUGH OF THE SEA 126

CHAPTER XIII.

THE DISASTER TO THE SILVER MOON 135

CHAPTER XIV.

THE WORK OF AN INCOMPETENT SKIPPER 145

CHAPTER XV.

"ROLL ON, SILVER MOON" 155

CHAPTER XVI.

DORY DORNWOOD GIVES A LESSON IN BOAT-SAILING 167

CHAPTER XVII.

THE MISSION OF THE SIX RUFFIANS 176

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE RESULT OF AN UNEQUAL CONFLICT 186

CHAPTER XIX.

A DEADLOCK AT THE HEAD OF THE BAY 196

CHAPTER XX.

THE REBELLIOUS SKIPPER OF THE SLOOP 206

CHAPTER XXI.

AN OUTRAGE IN THE STANDING-ROOM OF THE SLOOP 216

CHAPTER XXII.

AN INVITATION TO SANDY POINT 226

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE PROCEEDINGS AT SANDY POINT 236

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE STUDENTS DECIDE "WHAT'S IN A NAME" 246

CHAPTER XXV.

BUILDING THE BOAT 256

CHAPTER XXVI.

THAT CUNNING TOM TOPOVER 266

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE BRILLIANT STRATEGY OF THE BRUISER 276

CHAPTER XXVIII.

A HARD BATTLE AT SANDY POINT 286

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE ENGINEER OF THE UNDINE 296

CHAPTER XXX.

LAUNCHING THE BOAT 312

STEM TO STERN;

OR,

BUILDING THE BOAT.