Philosopher Jack - R. M. Ballantyne

Young student Jack is high-spirited, impulsive, and prone to rash decisions. When his father writes to him to explain that he has run out of money, Jack decides to join the gnarly old seafarer Captain Samson aboard the Lively Poll and seek new adventures on the high seas. Not long into the journey they encounter a ferocious storm, and the crew of the Lively Poll find themselves shipwrecked and adrift in the open ocean. Plenty of danger, excitement and adventure await in this swashbuckling tale.