From the original 1909 edition.

Step back to a time before highrises lined the beaches of Florida—an era when most of Florida's interior was virtually unpopulated, and its coast hosted only a string of small villages. Wildlife abounds, and subtropical habitat sets the stage in this story, while sandy roads, shady hammocks, wetlands, lagoons, barrier islands and warm salt water serve as a backdrop.

Follow Bob as he grows from a "cracker" lad in the interior to a young man of the coast and keys. Bob learns the ways of the wildlife in the state's interior, and moving to the coast adapts himself to coastal life, becoming proficient at fishing and sailing. Above all, Bob is a lover of nature and is always striving to know it better. His appreciation of the Florida folk and their ways leads him to treat each person he meets with dignity and respect, while he displays integrity and wisdom, often missing from those much his senior.

And what would a story of the old Florida coast be without a quest for pirate treasure?—making for a rousing adventure for young and old alike, and providing another showcase for Bob's uncanny knowledge of his environment.

After regaining command of his vessel, Christy continues his blockading duties around St. Andrews Bay, on the Florida panhandle. Christy’s uncle, Homer Passford, a staunch Confederate, is found on board a sloop that the Union ship has boarded and Christy learns of another blockade runner that he is determined to claim for the North.

From St. Andrews, Christy and his crew are bound for Isle Grande Terre on the south side of the Mississippi Delta. Although disappointed that they were not assigned up the Mississippi with the rest of the fleet, a daring reconnoitre reveals Confederate shipping to be had at this small Delta port. A small scale battle ensues, this time with serious consequences for Christy.

Bonus! Includes a Build-Your-Vocabulary Glossary of 263 words. Includes a new map illustration created specially for this edition.