"Left to Themselves: Being the Ordeal of Philip and Gerald" by Edward Prime-Stevenson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around two young boys, Philip and Gerald, whose lives intertwine amidst adventures involving danger and friendship. Through their experiences, the narrative explores themes of personal growth, bravery, and the complexity of human relationships. The opening of the novel introduces two main characters: Mr. Patrick Sip, a shabby and ill-intentioned tramp, and Gerald Saxton, a young boy fishing by a brook. Gerald's peaceful day is abruptly interrupted when Mr. Sip attempts to intimidate him for his belongings. The situation escalates until Philip Touchtone, a slightly older boy, intervenes, showcasing bravery by driving away the vagrant. This encounter marks the beginning of a budding friendship between Philip and Gerald as they escape danger together, laying the groundwork for further adventures and mutual confidences in the chapters to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)