Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 658

# Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver

This serialized story by Jo Pierce, published in Beadle and Adams' weekly dime novel, follows maritime rescue efforts on the New Jersey coast. During a violent storm, a ship founders on the rocky "Giant's Boot," a tidal cape. The local fishermen and townspeople—including sixteen-year-old Sky-Rocket Rob, named for his rescue signal rockets; the grizzled veteran Foretop Ben; and townsman Roger Walden—gather to attempt rescue. The wealthy, flippant Mrs. Vincent-Brown arrives from town, drawing disapproval for her callous remarks about looting wreckage. When the ship strikes the rocks, Rob displays remarkable bravery rescuing an unconscious woman from the breakers, nearly drowning himself. As the girl revives, Mrs. Vincent-Brown discovers an expensive diamond necklace around the rescued woman's neck—a detail that troubles Rob, given the woman's modest clothing.