Peter Duck facts for kids
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| Author | Arthur Ransome |
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| Cover artist | Arthur Ransome |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Swallows and Amazons series |
| Genre | Children's books |
| Publisher | Jonathan Cape |
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Publication date
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1932 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| ISBN | 0-613-77197-4 978-1-56792-429-9 (David R. Godine, Publisher: paperback, 1987, 2010) |
| Preceded by | Swallowdale |
| Followed by | Winter Holiday |
Peter Duck is an exciting adventure story by Arthur Ransome. It's the third book in his popular Swallows and Amazons series. In this book, the brave Swallows and Amazons join Captain Flint and an old sailor named Peter Duck. They set sail on a thrilling quest to find buried treasure on a faraway place called Crab Island.
Their journey isn't easy! Another ship, the Viper, is also after the same treasure. Its crew, led by a pirate-like captain, chases the Wildcat (Captain Flint's ship) across the seas. This book was first published in 1932. It's special because it's like a story told within the series. Arthur Ransome wrote much of it while staying in Aleppo.
Contents
Understanding the Story's Timeline
How Peter Duck Fits In
Peter Duck was published as the third book in the Swallows and Amazons series. However, the story itself is meant to be an adventure that the Swallows and Amazons made up. They created this tale during a winter holiday. This was between the events of the first two books in the series.
A Story Within a Story
Arthur Ransome first wrote some chapters describing how the children invented the Peter Duck story. He wrote these before he even started writing Swallowdale. But these opening chapters were later removed from the final book. Even so, Peter Duck is mentioned in Swallowdale. Titty, one of the Swallows, talks about him as her imaginary friend. This shows that the story was already part of their world.
The Exciting Hunt for Treasure
Starting the Grand Voyage
The Swallows and Amazons are in Lowestoft, getting ready for a big sea trip. They will be sailing on a schooner called the Wild Cat. Captain Flint, who is the Blacketts' uncle, is with them. An adult named Sam Bideford was supposed to join, but he can't. This almost stops the trip. Luckily, Peter Duck, an experienced old seaman, offers to help.
A Dangerous Rival Appears
In the harbor, a large black schooner named the Viper is also preparing to sail. Black Jake, the Viper's captain, takes a special interest in Peter Duck. Peter Duck shares an amazing story. He tells them about treasure he saw buried long ago. This was when he was marooned on a desert island in the Caribbean Sea. Black Jake wants to find this treasure for himself.
The Chase Begins
When the Wild Cat sets sail, the Viper quickly follows. It trails them down the English Channel. At one point, the Viper's crew even threatens to board the Wild Cat during the night. It's a tense chase!
Escaping and a New Friend
In a thick fog near Land's End, the Wild Cat crew manages to trick the Viper. They shake off their pursuers. But they pick up Bill, the Vipers cabin boy. Bill had been set adrift to try and fool the Wild Cats crew with false signals. The Wild Cat then continues its journey across the Atlantic Ocean. They finally reach Crab Island. They spend several days searching for Peter Duck's treasure, but they can't find it.
A Storm and a Discovery
A powerful hurricane suddenly hits the island. Peter Duck and Captain Flint take the Wild Cat out to sea to ride out the storm. They leave the Swallows and Amazons safely ashore. During the storm, there's also an earthquake. When the schooner returns, all the paths to their camp are blocked. Landslides and fallen trees are everywhere. However, a fallen palm tree reveals a small box. It's Peter Duck's treasure! The children quickly recover it. They decide to sail around to the anchorage because the land route is blocked.
Rescue and Return Home
While Captain Flint tries to cross the island to rescue the children, the Viper arrives. Peter Duck and Bill are captured. The Viper's crew also goes ashore to look for the treasure. The children bravely rescue Peter Duck and Bill. Then, the Wild Cat sails back to the other side of the island. They pick up Captain Flint just before Black Jake arrives. They try to sail away from the island. The wind dies, and it looks like the Viper will catch them. But they are saved by a waterspout! The waterspout destroys the Viper. The Wild Cat crew returns home safely without any more trouble. The treasure they found turns out to be a collection of beautiful pearls.
