Dave Porter's Great Search; Or, The Perils of a Young Civil Engineer

"Dave Porter’s Great Search; Or, The Perils of a Young Civil Engineer" by Edward Stratemeyer is a young adult novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the main character, Dave Porter, a young civil engineer who embarks on an adventure filled with challenges and rivalries. As the thirteenth installment in the Dave Porter Series, it continues to follow Dave's journey through both professional and personal trials, including confrontations with his old adversary, Nick Jasniff. At the start of the book, Dave Porter and his friend, Roger Morr, are working as civil engineers in the mountains of Montana. While on a journey to deliver important documents for their work, they find themselves caught in a fierce storm. Amidst trying to regain their way to camp, they face various challenges, including a confrontation with Jasniff, which results in a physical altercation that leaves Dave injured and his important belongings—including letters from home—missing. The suspenseful opening sets the stage for an action-packed adventure, showcasing Dave's resilience and determination in both his career and personal life as he navigates the dangers of nature and former foes.