American boys afloat: or, Cruising in the Orient

"American Boys Afloat: or, Cruising in the Orient" by Oliver Optic is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story continues the travels and adventures of young millionaire Louis Belgrave and his steadfast friend Felix McGavonty, as they engage in a sea expedition alongside a group of fellow American boys, dubbed "The Big Four." Their journey takes them on an educational and adventurous cruise through various exotic locations, bringing them into contact with both thrilling experiences and perilous encounters. At the start of the novel, the boys, including Louis and Felix, are on the steam-yacht Guardian-Mother, which they own. They soon discover a familiar little steam-yacht named Salihé and are keen to learn about its current owner and history. After a humorous exchange with the yacht's captain, Giles Chickworth, they decide to charter the Salihé for a moonlight excursion. However, their plans take a turn when they encounter smugglers during their outing, leading to a confrontation that finds the boys captured and locked in the cabin of the Salihé. The opening portion sets the stage for a blend of adventure, camaraderie, and moral dilemmas as the boys resolve to reclaim their freedom and thwart illegal activities.