"The Thunder Bird" by B. M. Bower is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically during the late 1910s. The story centers on Johnny Jewel, a young aviator grappling with the pressures of love, ambition, and a sense of honor linked to a significant financial debt he owes to his fiancée's father. As Johnny seeks to prove himself, he navigates the complexities of his relationship with Mary V Selmer, while striving to make good on his obligations and pursue his dreams of flight. At the start of the narrative, Johnny Jewel reflects on his life after recently engaging in a romantic relationship with Mary V. The opening reveals his struggles with a sense of inadequacy after being rejected by the military due to his age and the burden of a debt for a stolen airplane. His conversation with Mary V highlights the tension between his aspirations and the expectations placed upon him. As the chapter progresses, it becomes clear that Johnny is determined to clear his debt before fully committing to their relationship, setting the stage for the conflicts and challenges he will face throughout the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)