Jack Harkaway in New York or the adventures of the travelers' club is a serialized adventure novel that follows the daring escapades of a young English gentleman as he navigates life in New York City. The protagonist finds himself tangled with various characters, including a rival, and is accompanied by his loyal servant. The story opens with a light-hearted exchange between the protagonist and his servant, where the servant suggests that the protagonist has been idly lounging for too long. The protagonist then receives a letter from a beautiful young lady, urging him to meet her urgently. Upon meeting, she reveals that her suitor has made unwelcome advances toward her, warning the protagonist of his rival's aggressive intentions. The narrative takes the reader to a special meeting of a club, where humorous debates arise over the topic of buffalo habitation. The plot blends humor and tension, with the looming conflict between the protagonist and his rival setting the stage for an engaging adventure filled with social commentary and daring exploits.