The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico or, On a Dangerous Cruise with the Greek Spongers

"The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico" by Wilmer M. Ely is an adventure story about a group of young boys who set sail on a sponging trip to the Gulf of Mexico. Led by Charley West, Walter Hazard, Captain Westfield, and Chris, the boys arrive in Tarpon Springs, a town full of Greek culture and the promise of adventure. The boys are excited by the new sights and sounds of this unfamiliar town, but soon discover that danger lurks around every corner. As they explore the town they meet a mysterious Greek named Manuel, and other local characters, signaling coming conflicts and raising the stakes for the young adventurers as they prepare to explore and navigate the dangers of their expedition.