CORAL REEF CASTAWAY

Con, a boy on the brink of maturity, finds himself on an isolated island off the coast of Australia. Resigned to the idea that he is totally solitary and without resources, he is surprised to find that he shares the island with an eccentric old man who seeks a fortune in pearls. Con joins him on his attempt, dives for the oysters, helps outwit a group of unscrupulous poachers, and sees the pearl venture reach fruition. Excellent underwater details, convincing adventure, and a vivid background of life in a remote part of the world make this a story of noteworthy vigor and interest.