The Crew of the Water Wagtail

"The Crew of the Water Wagtail" by R. M. Ballantyne is a 19th-century historical adventure that follows a group of 16th-century seamen, focusing on Paul Burns and his loyal friend Oliver Trench, the captain’s son, as they voyage to Norway. Their ordinary trip rapidly turns into a dramatic fight for survival after a fierce storm incites a mutiny, led by the imposing Big Swinton, which leads to the capture of the captain, his son, and Burns. Stranded on an unknown isle, the boys must depend on ingenuity and bravery as they discover a new world filled with perils and prospects, establishing a story of loyalty, courage, and the determination to explore.