In 1805, seventeen-year-old Tom Lockwood, his aunt and uncle journey westward from their Pennsylvania farm to join friends living in Missouri. Their peaceful trip down the big Ohio river, aboard a keelboat, turns deadly when the group falls into the hands of river pirates. With the help of friends made along the way, young Tom and his faithful dog, Cub, set about rescuing his family using all the grit, determination, and ingenuity they can muster. This classic Meader tale, written nearly 100 years ago, reads like it was penned just yesterday. Illustrated by Edward Shenton.