Dave Dashaway Around the World

In Short

In this brisk adventure, Dave Dashaway and his companions, Hiram Dobbs and Elmer Brackett, pilot their cutting-edge biplane, the Comet, in a high-stakes race around the world. Faced with constant mechanical threats, intentional sabotage by a rival named Vernon, and the moral demands of helping those in peril, the trio must rely on their technical skill and unwavering loyalty to one another. Part of a classic early 20th-century series for boys, this story captures the optimism and mechanical wonder of the pioneering age of aviation.

The Story

The narrative centers on the Comet, a state-of-the-art biplane designed by the Interstate Aero Company, and its pilot, Dave Dashaway. As the story opens, the team prepares for a prestigious international race. Their progress is immediately hampered by a series of underhanded plots, primarily orchestrated by a man named Vernon, who aims to prevent the Comet from ever leaving the starting line. When the biplane is stolen, Dave and his friends must track it down and navigate the legal and physical hurdles set by their adversary.

Once underway, the journey becomes a test of endurance and character. The crew travels across vast distances, encountering unexpected hazards including forest fires and packs of wolves. Rather than focus solely on winning the race, Dave frequently redirects the Comet to perform heroic acts of rescue, such as saving a mother and child from a wildfire and later infiltrating the forbidden city of Lhassa to rescue a man named Morris Deane from captivity. These altruistic missions cost the crew time and resources, forcing them to shed equipment and perform emergency repairs under extreme conditions.

Throughout the flight, the Comet crosses diverse landscapes, from the wilds of Canada to the vast territories of Russia and the Middle East. The race remains tight, with other competitors reported at various checkpoints ahead or behind the trio. Upon reaching South America for the final leg, the boys encounter a shipwrecked man named Jabez Hull, who possesses a keg of treasure. They assist him, further complicating their schedule, yet they remain determined. Ultimately, the Comet beats its rivals to the finish line, securing first place. The story concludes with the boys celebrated as heroes, having not only won the international trophy but also reuniting families and securing their own future through the bonds of friendship and the integrity they displayed throughout their globe-spanning odyssey.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Dave and his companions prepare the Comet for departure, successfully evading a constable intent on serving a warrant to stop the flight. Despite this narrow escape, they soon discover their biplane has been stolen by saboteurs determined to keep them out of the race.

Tracking the thief Dave uses his deductive skills to locate the missing machine in a remote field. After dealing with the obstructionist farmer and making necessary repairs, the crew manages to reach the official starting point just in time.

Crossing the globe The flight takes the crew through Canada and across the ocean, where they face a fierce pack of wolves in the wilderness. They also perform a daring rescue in the restricted city of Lhassa, shifting their focus from the race to humanitarian aid.

The home stretch Nearing the end of their journey, the boys make a final push across the sea to Brazil. They manage to secure extra fuel and navigate the Comet to the finish line, officially claiming first place in the international contest.

The People

Dave Dashaway is the steady, ingenious pilot whose technical prowess and moral center drive the narrative. He is defined by his calm leadership, especially when facing the sabotage of his rival, Vernon. Dave rarely loses his composure, even when the success of the mission seems threatened by his own desire to help those in need.

Hiram Dobbs serves as the exuberant and loyal sub-pilot. He provides much of the story's humor and energy, often acting as the voice of concern or excitement when crises arise. While he is initially anxious about his status and the dangers of the mission, he matures into a capable and indispensable crew member.

Elmer Brackett completes the trio as the reliable, level-headed assistant. Like the others, his primary motivation is the success of their shared venture, but he remains grounded by a strong sense of fair play. He supports Dave’s decisions, even when those decisions involve significant personal risk. Together, these three young men represent an idealized friendship, transforming from enthusiastic flyers into battle-tested aeronauts who prioritize their integrity over the mere acquisition of a trophy.

In Its Own Voice

Regarding the Comet’s arrival at the starting line, the text notes the excitement of the crowd:

“No. Three—the Comet.”

Describing the intensity of the wolf attack in the Canadian woods, the narrator observes:

“Fiery-eyed, red-tongued, seeming to skim the ground, the foremost animal of an alarming pack came flying towards the boys.”

When considering the danger of entering the forbidden city of Lhassa to save a captive, the stakes are made clear:

“But, if you are suspected, it will mean sure death.”

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of the triumph of grit and competence over malice. The central conflict is not merely between rival aviators, but between a team that values human life and fairness, and an antagonist who relies on obstruction and deceit. The book argues that true success is measured not just by finishing first, but by the character one demonstrates along the way. Themes of international travel and the "modernity" of the early 20th century permeate the text, framing the airplane as a tool for both exploration and global benevolence. It asks if a person can remain true to their principles while facing the harsh realities of a competitive and often dangerous world.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the classic "boys' own" adventure style—characterized by fast-paced action, clear-cut morality, and a sense of boundless mechanical optimism—will find this a charming, if dated, experience. It captures the spirit of an era when aviation was still a wondrous, daring pursuit, and the world seemed vast and full of mystery.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the tropes of 1913-era juvenile fiction. The prose is functional and straightforward, and the characters often speak in the hyperbolic, earnest style common to early adventure serials. There are also period-specific attitudes, particularly regarding the portrayal of foreign lands and indigenous populations, which reflect the colonial-era perspective of the time. The book is lengthy and episodic, moving from one crisis to the next with a rhythmic, if sometimes repetitive, structure. Despite these limitations, there is an undeniable warmth in the camaraderie of the three leads. If you are interested in the evolution of juvenile literature or simply want to revisit the innocent, high-flying dreams of a century ago, this story offers an engaging, nostalgic glimpse into the history of the "young aviator" genre.