Kidnapped in the Yukon

Lois L. Parris was a freelance writer in Winnipeg.

Here is a good rousing tale of adventure, excitement, and suspense. When “Mad Prospector” Bill Somerville robs the Whitehorse bank and makes his getaway on the Yukon River in a stolen boat, he finds to his dismay that he has a passenger, 13-year-old Johnny Marton. Terrified, Johnny thinks constantly of escape. Bill finds an abandoned boat and stages an accident with the original boat so that searchers will think Johnny has drowned.

As the two make their way across wilderness country, an interesting relationship develops. They find they need each other. Bill’s moods swing wildly from threatening to kill Johnny to a show of friendship. Johnny is often frightened, but he admires Bill’s wilderness skills and comes to pity the lonely man.

Suspense builds toward the climax when Bill is badly injured in an encounter with a grizzly. Using all his resources Johnny gets the old man onto a raft and floats down the river to Dawson.

The book has very good illustrations and a map. Descriptions, especially of the Yukon River, are clear and satisfying. Characterization is excellent. Enjoyment is high on all counts.