3 Review(s)

The novel follows the adventures of a young protagonist, whose name is typically "Charley Russell," a bright and resourceful boy with a passion for wireless telegraphy—a cutting-edge technology at the time. Charley secures a position as a wireless operator on an oyster fleet, a group of boats dedicated to harvesting oysters off the coast.The story is set against the backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay, where the oyster fleet operates. Charley’s job is not only to manage communication between the fleet and the shore but also to ensure the safety of the vessels by sending and receiving important messages. His wireless skills prove invaluable as he helps the fleet navigate through various challenges, such as severe weather, mechanical failures, and the threat of oyster pirates—those who illegally harvest oysters from the bay.