Derrick Sterling

A fire at the coal breaker throws the village of Raven Brook into alarm, with a hundred boys working inside. Among them is Derrick Sterling, whose father's death has forced him to leave school and help support his mother and little sister. Kirk Munroe's mining adventure begins with the long hours, choking dust and small wages of boys employed to pick slate from coal, giving Derrick's wish to prove himself a practical urgency.

Derrick's friendship with Paul Evert, a boy with physical disabilities, brings him into conflict with Bill Tooley, the village bully. Later, his nursing of Bill wins a defender among the miners, even as a secret meeting turns against the mine boss and accuses Derrick of spying. The story links underground dangers with arguments over loyalty, fairness and courage. Readers interested in children's adventure and industrial life will find a young worker tested by both his surroundings and the people around him.