Chapter I: Front Matter

The Rambler Club Afloat

BY W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD

AUTHOR OF
"A KNIGHT OF THE WEST SIDE"

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA
MCMIX

COPYRIGHT 1909 BY
THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY

Introduction

The author's purpose is a very unassuming one. He aims simply to present to the host of bright American boys a clean, wholesome story of sport and adventure. The Ramblers are a group of five jolly young fellows, who form a club for the purpose of hunting and fishing, but find their plans changed by circumstances.

In the course of their travels, the Nimrod Club, a rival organization, is often encountered. The boys are able to accept the unexpected and often trying situations in which they are placed with a reasonable degree of philosophy. They are disposed to be forbearing, yet are spirited enough to stand up for their rights when patience ceases to be a virtue. This story tells how, in spite of trials and discouragement, they are undaunted, bravely push on, and are finally rewarded by solving the mystery of the many strange happenings that have befallen them.

"The Rambler Club's Winter Camp," and "The Rambler Club in the Mountains," show the members of the club in outdoor experiences that any real live boy will envy them.

W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD.

Contents

I. THE NEW CLUB

II. THE BOAT

III. NAT IS ANGRY

IV. A TRIAL TRIP

V. THE NIMRODS

VI. TOM'S COOKING

VII. REPAIRING DAMAGES

VIII. CAMPING OUT

IX. HACKETT'S SHOOTING

X. A REAL HERO

XI. DAVE COMES BACK

XII. IN DANGER

XIII. A SQUALL

XIV. MISCHIEF

XV. MAN OVERBOARD

XVI. DISASTER

XVII. ARRESTED

XVIII. THE NIMRODS IN TROUBLE

XIX. ON THE BAY

XX. ANOTHER BOAT GONE

XXI. "I HATE TO GIVE UP"

XXII. DETECTIVE WORK

XXIII. WHAT BOB SAW

XXIV. ANOTHER MYSTERY

XXV. MR. SOMERS' LAND

Illustrations

THE BOYS CROWDED AROUND THE BOAT

"I SAW THAT ONE SHOOT"

THE RAMBLERS WERE COMPLETELY BURIED

A PIECE OF WHITE PAPER

THE BIG SYCAMORE

The Rambler Club Afloat