Fritz to the Front, or, the Ventriloquist Scamp-Hunter

"Fritz to the Front; or, the Ventriloquist Scamp-Hunter" by Edward L. Wheeler is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Fritz Snyder, a young detective with a flair for ventriloquism, who embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and intrigue. The opening chapters introduce us to Fritz's brave and inquisitive nature as he encounters various characters and situations, including a young woman named Madge, setting the stage for a cascade of events that intertwine their fates. At the start of the novel, Fritz finds himself on a ferry packed with a diverse crowd headed for Atlantic City. During the journey, he intervenes to protect Madge from an unwelcome advance by a drunken man, showcasing his courageous spirit. Following this incident, a series of mysterious events unfold, including Madge’s hurried marriage in a secluded cave, which intrigues Fritz and prompts him to investigate further. By the time Fritz and his newfound acquaintance, Hal Hartly, each face perilous situations related to a potential smuggling operation and personal vendettas, the story sets an exciting tone for the ensuing chase and deception, firmly establishing the foundations for gripping adventures ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward Lytton Wheeler was a nineteenth century American writer of dime novels. One of his most famous characters is the Wild West rascal Deadwood Dick. His stories of the west mixed fictional characters with real-life personalities of the era, including Calamity Jane and Sitting Bull.