A Runaway Brig; Or, An Accidental Cruise

"A Runaway Brig; Or, An Accidental Cruise" by James Otis is a children's story about a group of boys, focusing on Harry Vandyne and Walter Morse, who accidentally begin a sea voyage on a brigantine named the Bonita during their summer vacation. The story is full of mystery and danger as they go on an adventure at sea, filled with suspense, that highlights both exploration and youthful mischief. It begins with Harry Vandyne and Walter Morse wanting to go sailing with their sailor friend, Jim Libby. Although Walter has duties to take care of, Harry persuades him to sail on Jim's ship, the Sally Walker. Their adventure takes a turn when they find themselves on the Bonita, an empty ship, where they learn that they are alone and perhaps now part of a larger mystery that possibly involves pirates. As they explore this abandoned ship, their fears increase, and they eventually find a starving sailor, adding another challenge and setting the scene for difficult times at sea.