The Rival Campers Ashore; or, The Mystery of the Mill

"The Rival Campers Ashore; or, The Mystery of the Mill" by Ruel Perley Smith is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This adventurous tale features two boys, Henry Burns and Jack Harvey, who embark on a canoeing journey. As they attempt to navigate waterways from Benton to a nearby mill, they encounter a series of unexpected events and challenges that hint at broader mysteries and adventures to come. At the start of the story, the two boys arrive at a small train station and set off joyously in their canoe, ready for exploration. Their journey takes an unfortunate turn as they get lost in the winding streams and are caught in rain, leading to comedic misadventures. After an exhausting series of wrong turns, they seek shelter at a mill, only to find themselves chased out of a nearby inn by the irritable Colonel Witham. The introduction sets the stage for a mix of adventure and mystery as the boys navigate both physical challenges and the relationships they encounter in their quest.