Chapter I: Preface

“A MILLIONAIRE AT SIXTEEN” is the second volume of the “All-Over-the-World” series; and while the book may be read independently of the first, it is the continuation of the adventures of Louis Belgrave, who was presented to the reader in the preceding story. Possibly some of my numerous friends may have accused me, after reading the first volume, with being unnecessarily liberal to my hero, in supplying him with “the missing million,” even augmented to nearly half as much more, so that he is actually a millionaire and a half; but the present story will assure such critics that even this vast sum was necessary in carrying out the purpose of the writer. But no one need tremble for his moral safety, for he will find that the young man in his moneyed abundance is well guarded by his “guardian-mother,” and by his prudent and conservative trustee.

The magnificent steam-yacht, the purchase of which required the figure at which the fortune of the hero was placed, was not obtained for sporting and pleasure uses; for Louis Belgrave has no taste for racing, and is utterly opposed to betting, or anything that can be construed as such. He had acquired a relish for yachting, though he was extremely modest in his desire in regard to the character and cost of his craft. The exigency of the story demanded such a steamer as he was persuaded by his accomplished nautical friend to purchase. This was the only excuse he could find for such a degree of extravagance; but happily his income enables him to stand the expense of sailing such a steamer. He was actuated by the very highest of motives in consenting to buy the yacht, and, in fact, it seemed to him to be his duty to do so. His mother, whom he almost worships, is borne away from him over the ocean, and the steamer seemed to him and his advisers the only means by which he could recover her, and restore her to her friends. With such an object in view, money was hardly to be considered.

The writer still holds to his belief set forth in the preceding volume that exciting incidents do not corrupt or mislead the minds and hearts of young people, and he still keeps his hero above reproach morally; and his magnificent venture is intended to promote his education, to make him a wise and good man. He has no vices, and under the system of his nautical friend, he is not likely to acquire any.

WILLIAM T. ADAMS.

DORCHESTER, MASS., March 5, 1892.

CONTENTS

PAGE
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCING SIR LOUIS BELGRAVE 1

CHAPTER II
SOMETHING ABOUT THE BELGRAVE FAMILY 10

CHAPTER III
INTRODUCING ANOTHER MILLIONAIRE 17

CHAPTER IV
THE PARTY THAT WENT TO SOUTHFIELD 25

CHAPTER V
THE VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY 33

CHAPTER VI
A DISAGREEABLE REVELATION 41

CHAPTER VII
THE CONFERENCE IN THE STATEROOM 49

CHAPTER VIII
BOUND TO ENGLAND 57

CHAPTER IX
A DINNER IN THE SECOND CABIN 65

CHAPTER X
A SKIRMISH WITH LIGHT WORDS 73

CHAPTER XI
A BATTLE IN POLITENESS 81

CHAPTER XII
THE POSSESSOR OF A MIGHTY SECRET 89

CHAPTER XIII
CLOSING WITH THE ENEMY 97

CHAPTER XIV
THE VICTORY IN THE CABIN 106

CHAPTER XV
AN OBDURATE PRISONER 113

CHAPTER XVI
ALLEGIANCE TO THE POWERS THAT BE 121

CHAPTER XVII
THE MAUD’S NEW COMMANDER 129

CHAPTER XVIII
SOME SIGNS OF TREACHERY 137

CHAPTER XIX
EUCHRED ON THE SHORE 145

CHAPTER XX
IN PURSUIT OF THE MAUD 153

CHAPTER XXI
FELIX MCGAVONTY ON WATCH 161

CHAPTER XXII
MRS. BELGRAVE’S PROTECTOR 170

CHAPTER XXIII
THE SEARCH FOR THE MAUD 178

CHAPTER XXIV
THE GUARDIAN-MOTHER 186

CHAPTER XXV
ON BOARD OF THE PHANTOM 194

CHAPTER XXVI
AMONG THE PINES 202

CHAPTER XXVII
AN AGENT OF THE ENEMY 210

CHAPTER XXVIII
THE LAST OF THE PHANTOM 218

CHAPTER XXIX
LEFT ON A SANDBANK 226

CHAPTER XXX
A HUNGRY MILLIONAIRE 234

CHAPTER XXXI
THE MAGNIFICENT STEAMER 242

CHAPTER XXXII
A FORMAL PRESENTATION 250

CHAPTER XXXIII
ON BOARD THE GUARDIAN-MOTHER 258

CHAPTER XXXIV
A WRECK ON THE BERMUDA REEF 266

CHAPTER XXXV
THE RETURN TO THE GUARDIAN-MOTHER 274

CHAPTER XXXVI
A HAPPY REUNION 282

CHAPTER XXXVII
JOHN SCOBLE’S ANTECEDENTS 291

A MILLIONAIRE AT SIXTEEN