The Boy Scouts on Picket Duty

The Boy Scouts on Picket Duty by Robert Shaler is a thrilling tale set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys where a group of Boy Scouts led by Captain Lemuel Vinton embark on a summer adventure that quickly turns into a mission of national importance. The story begins with the sloop _Arrow_ sailing back to Key West to report the sighting of a mysterious steamer suspected of smuggling contraband. The crew consisting of five Boy Scouts an older companion and a Seminole Indian guide is drawn into a web of intrigue involving smugglers and a potential threat to national security. As the _Arrow_ navigates the coastal waters the scouts encounter a revenue cutter the _Petrel_ which is also on the trail of the smugglers. The narrative unfolds with the scouts' determination to assist in the capture of the elusive filibuster vessel the _Esperanza_ suspected of transporting dynamite for a revolutionary cause in Panama. The plot thickens when Hugh one of the scouts is kidnapped by the smugglers after discovering their hideout on a remote island. His friends unaware of his fate are left to piece together the mystery and plan a rescue. The story is rich with themes of bravery loyalty and the spirit of adventure. The scouts' resourcefulness and courage are put to the test as they navigate the challenges of the Everglades and the treacherous waters of the Gulf. The narrative is a testament to the values of scouting and the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity.