A Jolly Fellowship

"A Jolly Fellowship" by Frank R. Stockton is the tale of young Will Gordon and his buddy Rectus, who set out for adventure from New York toward the Southern States and the West Indies. Will, at 16, finds himself responsible for Rectus, who is two years younger, as they navigate the world with the wide-eyed innocence of youth, and, as the story opens, Rectus prepares for his journey with a tearful farewell from his parents, Will fondly recalls their first meeting, a near-drowning that sparked their friendship. Tasked with caretaking responsibilities, Will must balance his own desires for exploration with the needs of his friend, creating a narrative that captures the spirit of companionship and the challenges of unexpected events.