In the volcano's mouth; or, A boy against an army

A lively teenage son travels with his grieving father to join him abroad after a family loss, bringing a mischievous, daring spirit that produces comic shipboard episodes and close companionship with a pet monkey; ashore the boy faces escalating perils—natural dangers and organized hostile forces—that force him to set aside pranks and rely on courage, quick thinking, and leadership in a sequence of adventurous, coming-of-age trials.