Through By Daylight--Oliver Optic Part 2

Here is part 2 of the book "Through By Daylight"

Title: Through By Daylight
Author: Oliver Optic
Published: 1869 and reprinted in 1998 by Mantle Ministries
Background Information: For more information and character descriptions, see the post entitled "Lake Shore Series--Oliver Optic" and the Through By Daylight Post Part 1. This is the first book in the series. The original title was called "The Young Engineer."

We left off in the first post with Waddie and his father angrily leaving Wolf's house.

After the Colonel and Waddie leave, Wolf's mother is somewhat upset with Wolf for insulting and making the Colonel angry. She is certain that it will result in the Colonel firing Mr. Penninman from his job. Wolf insists that he had to tell the truth. Wolf then leaves the house pondering the incident. As he thinks about the events of the day he also thinks about his past experiences with Waddie, and in the past, he has let Waddie bully him and taken it with a Christian spirit, however, he feels it is different this time, as Waddie and the Colonel are trying to make him out to be a criminal. After his walk he returns to the house and talks again with his mother. They discuss at length the possibility of losing the house if Christy Holgate isn't caught with the stolen money. They also discuss Wolf and how he should deal with Waddie, his mother advises him--"You must try to have a Christian spirit, Wolfert" (page 121).

Wolf then agrees that he will try to have a Christian spirit and would not hesitate to be kind to Waddie and his father, however, he makes the point that:

"But I don't think a fellow must be a milksop in order to be a Christian. I don't think the gospel requires me to be a toady, or even admit to injustice when I can help myself. I don't ask to be revenged, or anything of that sort; I only desire to keep my head out of the dirt. I am going to try to be a man, whatever happens to me" (page 122).

They discuss this and go on to talk about Wolf's father and how he had gone back to drinking that day. While they are still talking, Waddie bursts into the house and insists that Wolf must come right away to see his father.

Wolf eventually follows Waddie out, and on the way to the house, they are surrounded by about six of Waddie's tough schoolmates. Waddie then goes on to inform Wolf that before he goes to see his father he is going to give Wolf the "biggest licking" for calling him a liar. Waddie continues to challenge Wolf and and asks Wolf if he has anything to say for himself. Wolf considering his mother's wisdom says--"I was angry when I spoke the words, and I am sorry for uttering them" (page 126). Waddie then demands Wolf to "Get down on your knees and beg my pardon" (page 126). Wolf refuses to do that, causing Waddie to become irritated and more determined to get Wolf on his knees.

The story goes on at length about arguments with Waddie, how Wolf defends himself, the Colonel gets involved, and Waddie gets more irate etc. To summarize Wolf is basically chased out of town. :-) Soon after this, he sees Tommy Toppleton and they get into a discussion on the events of the day. They also discuss the problem with the "dummy engine." Wolf is able to help Tommy and the town of Middleport with the engine problem, and they successfully remove the engine from the lake. Tommy, his father the Major, and the town are all very excited and pleased with Wolf's assistance in the matter. The Major then offers Wolf the job of running the dummy engine--a significant offer for a boy of 16. :-) Wolf is interested but wants to discuss it with his parents first.

Wolf goes home and tells him mother about being driven out of town, removing the engine from the lake, and the job offer. His mother is a little uncertain about whether or not he should take the job as it will irritate the Colonel even more. His father then comes home, somewhat drunk, and irritated with Wolf for all the "trouble" he has been causing that day. Eventually Wolf's father is put to bed in Wolf's room. In the night, Waddie comes to cause some trouble, going where he thinks Wolf is sleeping. :-) Mr. Penninman is awakened, and reacting to what he thinks may be a burglar hits and hurts Waddie. This awakens Wolf and Mrs. Penninman and they get up to see what is going on. Waddie is angry etc. (and lisping...due to his teeth being "knocked in") the Pennimans get the doctor and eventually Waddie leaves...still angry (of course).
His father does get discharged (i.e. fired) from Colonel Wimpleton.

The next day...

Wolf and his father discuss the job opportunity offered by the Major Toppleton. His father is favorable and agrees to Wolf getting the job. Wolf goes to tell the Major, while Wolf is there, he finds out the Colonel has hired the Major's engineer to "his side" because the Major offered Wolf a job. Wolf helps solve this problem by suggesting that his father take the job opening. The Major is thrilled with this idea, and the opportunity to get back at the Colonel. Wolf and his father both now have jobs from the Major. Mr. Penninman is glad to have the opportunity and states that--"The colonel will be the maddest man this side of the north pole, when he hears of my good fortune" (page 211). Wolf also makes the point that "When rich men quarrel, poor men ought to profit by it, if they can do so honestly" (page 211).

Later...

Wolf is now getting ready to start on the dummy engine and has a "sick" student with him, named Higgins. Higgins and Wolf converse with each other and we learn Higgins is faking sickness to get out of school, conveniently, he is "well" enough to help be a conductor to the engine. Wolf by the end of the conversation convinces Higgins to not pretend to be sick to get out of school. :-) Wolf at one point asks Higgins if he has a watch, Wolf is determined to be punctual with his running of the engine. Since Wolf's family isn't rich, he is not able to have his own pocket watch (this may sound strange to modern day readers, keep in mind this series was written almost 140 years ago!) Higgins offers to let Wolf borrow his watch for the day.

Wolf and Higgins are now ready to collect the passengers and Wolf has Higgins call everyone aboard. Wolf describes his shouting "as though the announcement was intended for the people on the other side of the lake" (p.220) Wolf tells Higgens--"I wouldn't yell so. Boys always make fools of themselves by hallooing when there isn't the least need of it" (p.220).
Higgins then calls the passengers aboard in "a milder tone." :-)

As the passengers are boarding, Wolf spots "a very beautiful young lady." He is soon happy to see that she is going to be a passenger on the engine. Wolf describes the young lady and then says about himself to his readers--"I beg leave to say that this unwonted enthusiasm on my part was as surprising to myself as it will be to my readers, for I had hardly ever looked at any person of the feminine persuasion before, except my mother and sisters. I had certainly never seen any lady who attracted me so strongly..." (p.221). We go on to learn that the young lady is about 15 or 16 and has a "mature bearing." We also learn this young lady is Grace Toppleton, daughter of the Major and sister to Tommy.

Wolf also offers this comment to his readers--"A young man always has a time to be a fool, just as he has to take the measles, though, he seldom has it so young as I did" (p.222).

Miss Grace Toppleton delights Wolf by asking him if she can ride in the engine area with him and Higgins. Wolf is happy to comply. :-) However, before they get started, Captain Snyder, a policeman, comes with Colonel Wimpleton to delay Wolf. They basically want to arrest Wolf for the explosion of the Skipper's boat. Wolf asks if they have a warrant, which they don't. He also makes the point that Waddie will also have to be arrested for the explosion, and breaking into his father's house. The Colonel, obviously not wanting his son involved, leaves with Captain Snyder. (the Colonel also learns at this time that Mr. Penninman is employed by the Major) The Colonel is not a happy man at this point in the story. :-)

Everyone is now aboard and they continue on their way. Wolf is able to explain the working of the engine to Grace. Despite the delays everyone arrives on time.

The next few chapters go into more detail about the railroad, conversations Wolf has with the Major, the students in Middleport, and how the students of Centereport cause trouble. Despite hindrances, Wolf impresses the Toppletons and the town with his ability to run the engine and overcome problems.

Later the students at the school in Middleport have a picnic, and Wolf is given the present of a pocket watch for his service. It is presented by Grace Toppleton and Wolf, who is surprised and nervous, has to give a speech on the spot, this is what he says (in thanking them for the watch)--

"Miss Grace Toppleton, I am very much obliged to the students of the Toppleton Institute for this beautiful gift. A gold watch is something I never expected to have. I didn't think of anything of this kind when I came in here, and for that reason I was very much surprised. I shall always keep this watch, and, whenever I look at its face, it will remind me of the generous fellows who gave it to me (Wolf gets interrupted here from shouts and applause he then continues...) I shall endeavor, with the help of this watch, always to be on time; and I hope I shall be able to do my duty to the officers and to the liberal patron of the Lake Shore Railroad. (he goes on a little more and closes with...) "I shall never look at the face of this watch without thinking of another face--the face of the one who so prettily presented it" (pp.278-279)

The students love his speech and the day almost ends perfectly. When Wolf returns home however, (after showing his watch to the family--who all love it :-) ) Captain Snyder comes and informs them that unless the mortgage is paid, the house will be foreclosed. Since Christy Holgate still has not been heard from, the Penninmans don't have the money to pay the mortgage and the house will be put up at auction. (the proceeds will go to Mr. Penninman)

They are forced to move, and live in, what Wolf calls, a "hovel." By the time the auction comes, Mr. Penninman decided he would go too. (Wolf also attends the auction) Major Toppleton also grilled Wolf on the story behind the sale of the house and surprises everyone by attending the auction as well. The auction starts off with Colonel Wimpleton and another person "bidding" on the house, they do ridiculously small amounts, designed to humiliate the Penninmans and amuse the townsfolk. Major Toppleton steps in, surprising everyone, and also begins bidding. This naturally enrages the Colonel and the house ends up selling for more than it's worth! (the Colonel was the final bidder...and not happy about the whole thing)

Mr. Penniman collects the money, moves to Middleport, and is able to rent a lovely house.

The story ends in a pleasant way and more about the characters will continue in book 2 called "Duty Bound." I will hopefully be reviewing that sometime next week.

On another note...the term "Through by daylight" is used several times in the book, resulting in the title of the book. It refers to Wolf's ability to get things done...the same day, in other words, before daylight.

I hoped you enjoyed the summary, the book itself has about 300 pages, so it is hard to do it perfect justice. :-) I highly recommend you read the series if you ever stumble into it. :-)

Have a great day!!

Through By Daylight--Oliver Optic Part 1

Hello! Since the Lake Shore series has six books, I will be taking my time with reviewing them. There will be several parts for each book, so that you can get a better idea of the books and the characters in them. This post will have some descriptions of the characters and part of a summary.

Title: Through By Daylight

Author: Oliver Optic

Published: 1869 and reprinted in 1998 by Mantle Ministries

Background Information: For more information see the post entitled "Lake Shore Series--Oliver Optic" This is the first book in the series. The original title was called "The Young Engineer."

"Through By Daylight" characters:

Wolfert Penniman referred to as Wolf. (Wolf's father insisted on the name Wolfert after being inspired by Washington Irving. Wolf's mother in vain tried to convince him to change it knowing that his nickname would inevitably become "Wolf." :-) ) He is the main character/hero of the series, he also is the one "writing" the books (narrating). He is very mechanically minded and knows how to run trains and boats and maybe some other things. He is 16 years old when this story takes place. He is a recent graduate, and especially enjoyed philosophy and chemistry. Although, Wolf's parents play a significant role in the books, they aren't getting their own character summaries. :-)

Colonel Wimpleton is sort of "in charge" of the town of Centreport, he has a spoiled son named Waddie.

Waddie Wimpleton is a demanding young man and a bully. He frequently tries to get Wolf into trouble and never takes responsibility for his own actions. His father always bails him out and cannot see any of his sons errors and is convinced it is always someone else's fault. :-)

Major Toppleton is sort of in charge of the neighboring town of Centerport, his town is referred to as Middleport. He has a son named Tommy.

Tommy Toppleton is not quite so bad as Waddie Wimpleton, but he does have his faults--these will be revealed as the series progresses. :-) He also has a sister named Grace (who Wolf admires :-)).

Christy Hogate is one of the villains in the story.

Background on the two towns: There is an ongoing feud between the towns of Middleport and Centreport. This started about 20 years prior to the beginning of this story, it has something to do with the Colonel and Major disagreeing with building a school. As a result, they both parted, and started their own schools. The two towns now constantly try to out do each other.

Now for the story itself...

The story begins with Waddie Wimpleton causing trouble. He is insulting the daughter of a skipper of a canal boat. The skipper/father is angry with Waddie and sort of "shakes him up," this angers Waddie and he stomps off, irate, and plotting some sort of revenge. From a short distance, Wolf sees all of this take place.

The next day, Wolf sees Waddie near the skippers boat (Waddie is also "practicing" with his revolver. Wolf informs us in the story that Waddie is a horrible shot :-) ). Waddie spots Wolf and calls him over to pull some sort of string. Wolf is suspects Waddie is up to something and refuses to pull the string. Irritated, Waddie pulls it himself. An explosion then occurs and the skipper's boat is destroyed! Waddie accuses Wolf of destroying the boat, Wolf denies the whole thing, after all, Waddie rigged the whole thing himself and pulled the string! (Wolf also takes away Waddie's revolver at one point, he is afraid that Waddie will hurt him with it) Wolf leaves convinced that no one will believe Waddie's ridiculous claim about him being responsible for blowing up the boat.

Wolf finds his father and they have a discussion of what just took place. Christy Holgate, an engineer and friend of Wolf's father is also involved in the discussion. Wolf's father then expresses relief that all this has happened today and not later. This then brings up a new topic of interest, Mr. Penninman tell Christy and Wolf that he just withdrew the money to pay for his mortgage on his house. He is glad to be able to finally pay this off and has been working for awhile to pay Colonel Wimpleton back. (he has the $2,000 with him)

Christy realizing that he has all this money is on Mr. Penninman, proceeds to talk about some alcohol he has. Wolf says that; "One would have supposed, from the eloquent description of its virtues, that it was the nectar of the gods, instead of the fiery fluid which men put into their mouths to take their brains away" (pg. 42-43).

Wolf is disgusted with this. However, his father, who has struggled with alcohol, is tempted by it. His father had been doing well in recent years, but after the enticing description Christy gave of it, he decides to "take one drink." Mr. Penniman gives Wolf a dollar and basically asks him to go away. Wolf does so reluctantly. When returning he finds his father somewhat drunk. His father suddenly realizes that his wallet is gone! He immediately suspects Christy of having on purposely try to get him drunk so he could steal the money. Christy denies it and goes running off. Wolf chases him, and finally he catches up to him. Wolf remembers that he has Waddie's gun and uses it to threaten Christy with it. Wolf after some argument, gets the wallet back and Christy runs off into the woods. Wolf is pleased with the recovery of the wallet, and returns to his father.

By this time a large crowd has gathered and have heard the entire story, Wolf is asked to explain what happened. However, when his father finally looks at the wallet, he realizes Christy took out the money and just gave Wolf the empty wallet. His father is devastated.

After awhile Wolf goes home to tell his mother what has happened. Before he gets home though, he sees that the town of Middleport has had some trouble with their "dummy engine" falling into the lake. (Don't ask what a dummy engine is, it's rather complicated. :-) It has something to do with trains etc. in the 1800s.) Wolf feels bad for the Middleport people, even though they are Toppletons. He has a brief discussion with Tommy Toppleton about how he could solve the problem of getting the engine out of the lake, however, he doesn't have time to explain, since he is trying to get home.

Wolf returns home and finds his mother upset. She tells him that everyone has been telling "awful stories" about him. Waddie had been telling everyone that he was responsible for the explosion of the skippers boat! Wolf denies it, and explains what actually happened to his mother, and she believes him. Wolf then goes on to tell her about Christy, the wallet, the chase, and about his father going back to alcohol. His mother is upset, but mostly upset about the news of her husband returning to drinking.

Soon after this, Waddie and his father come to the house. Colonel Wimpleton, is upset with Wolf for causing all the trouble with the boat. Wolf denies his involvement, which makes Waddie angry. Waddie is upset with the fact that Wolf is basically calling him a liar. (Wolf also tries to return the revolver to Waddie at this time, however, Waddie is difficult and refuses to take it back). The Colonel, suspecting their is some truth to what Wolf is saying, is willing to pay for the damages to the boat, but does not want everyone to think Waddie has done it. Wolf still refuses to take the blame, causing the Colonel and Waddie to angrily leave the house.

To hear the rest of the story...join me in part 2 of "Through By Daylight."

Have a great day!

Lake Shore Series--Oliver Optic

Hello! Instead of reviewing a book today, I am going to start by giving some background on a series of books I will be reviewing soon. I purchased this series of books from eBay last year.

The Lake Shore Series by Oliver Optic was originally published in 1869.
Mantle Ministries re-published them in 1998.

Oliver Optic was a pen name for William Taylor Adams. He was born in 1822, and before writing he was a school teacher. He also published a magazine called "Oliver Optic's Magazine for Boys and Girls." Quoting from the "About the Author" section in his book "Through By Daylight" it says about his books:

"By the time of his death in 1897, at the age of 75, he had written more than 1,000 short stories and more than 115 novels, the majority of which portray youthful heroes and heroines of noble, self-sacrificing, courageous and moral character, challenged by adverse circumstances. Each adventure weaves the thread of Biblical principles throughout the stirring plots with inspirational design."

The Lake Shore Series contains six books. They are stories about a boy/young man named Wolf Penniman. In the series he is involved with trying to do some "peace making" between these two feuding towns. Filled with adventure and humor they are a great series for guys and girls. :-) If you aren't used to reading books from the 1800s the way the books are written may be a little hard to get used to, but definitely worth the effort!