In the days when Nantucket whaling ships could be away at sea for years at a time, a vessel's safe return was celebrated by all the inhabitants of the island. Runners would carry the joyous news as soon as the vessel was sighted from the island's highest point. When Obadiah is hired for this important task, his little sister Rachel is certain that she can be trusted with such a mission as well. Their childlike competition plays out in a delightful story of determination and sportsmanship. Illustrated with Turkle's whimsical watercolor illustrations throughout.