Opening material

[Illustration: “COME BACK, MR. BELGRAVE! FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE COME BACK!” Page 278.]

_All-Over-the-World Series_

A

MILLIONAIRE AT SIXTEEN

OR

THE CRUISE OF THE GUARDIAN-MOTHER

BY OLIVER OPTIC

AUTHOR OF “THE ARMY AND NAVY SERIES” “YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD” FIRST AND SECOND SERIES “THE GREAT WESTERN SERIES” “THE WOODVILLE STORIES” “THE STARRY FLAG SERIES” “THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES” “THE ONWARD AND UPWARD SERIES” “THE YACHT-CLUB SERIES” “THE RIVERDALE STORIES” “THE BOAT-BUILDER SERIES” “TAKEN BY THE ENEMY” “WITHIN THE ENEMY’S LINES” “ON THE BLOCKADE” “STAND BY THE UNION” “FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT” “A MISSING MILLION” ETC.

TO MY FRIEND AND CO-LABORER IN OUR VINEYARD

Nathan Bangs Williams

THIS VOLUME IS VERY CORDIALLY INSCRIBED WITH MY KINDEST REGARDS

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