Author
Alan Douglas
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Subjects
Books by Alan Douglas
Fast Nine; or, A Challenge from Fairfield
"Fast Nine; or, A Challenge from Fairfield" by Captain Alan Douglas is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of Boy Scouts in Hickory Ridge, particularly focusing on Elmer Chenowith and his friends as they prepare for a baseball game against a rival team from Fairfield. Themes of camaraderie, youthful adventure, and sportsmanship are woven through the narrative, illustrating the values taught through scouting activities. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Elmer and his friends as they return from a fishing trip, joking and laughing along the Sunflower River. The plot thickens when they learn that Matt Tubbs, a bully from Fairfield who has caused trouble in the past, has organized his own troop of Boy Scouts and intends to challenge Hickory Ridge to a baseball game. Anticipating the challenges ahead, the boys reflect on their past encounters with the Fairfield team, while Elmer expresses hope that Tubbs’ newfound leadership will result in a fair game. The opening sets the stage for a friendly rivalry filled with lessons on teamwork, loyalty, and personal growth among the youth.
Woodcraft; Or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good
"Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good" by Captain Alan Douglas is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the experiences of a group of Boy Scouts, particularly highlighting the character of Elmer Chenowith, their patrol leader. Throughout the narrative, themes of ingenuity, teamwork, and outdoor survival emerge as the young scouts navigate various challenges and mysteries while embodying the values of the scouting movement. The beginning of the novel introduces Elmer and his friend Jasper during a thunderstorm in the woods, where they realize they are lost. As they discuss their predicament, they express both fear and determination, showcasing their character development as scouts. They quickly learn practical skills of woodcraft and survival, and just when they think all is lost, their fellow scout leader, Elmer, arrives to help them find shelter and safety. The opening sets the stage for an adventure where the scouts will face challenges, apply their scouting knowledge, and work together to overcome obstacles.
Boy Scouts: Tenderfoot Squad; or, Camping at Raccoon Lodge
"Tenderfoot Squad; or, Camping at Raccoon Lodge" by Captain Alan Douglas is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of Boy Scouts, particularly focusing on Elmer Chenowith and his friends, as they set off on a camping trip at Raccoon Bluff. Throughout their journey and activities in the wilderness, they encounter various challenges, including their interactions with local characters like Jem Shock and the mysterious backstory of a talented boy named Conrad. The opening of the book introduces the main characters as they pile into a car and prepare for their camping adventure, brimming with excitement and camaraderie. Elmer, the leader of the Wolf Patrol, takes charge and is determined to teach his inexperienced friends, Rufus and Alec, the skills needed for survival in the wild, while also dealing with the enigmatic figure of Jem Shock, a suspected poacher. As they arrive at Raccoon Bluff, the group begins to settle in, highlighting themes of friendship, learning, and personal growth through the challenges they face in the woods. The narrative hints at both the joys and trials of scouting, establishing a foundation for the adventures that lie ahead.
Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day
"Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day" by Captain Alan Douglas is a children's adventure story focused on the Boy Scouts, likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows a group of scouts, including characters like Elmer Chenowith and the new recruit Adam Limburger, as they navigate various outdoor activities and challenges. The book captures themes of teamwork, skill development, and the spirit of adventure inherent in scouting. At the start of the story, the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts are engaged in a swimming activity where the timid Adam is encouraged to jump off a diving board. To everyone's surprise, he executes a flawless dive, showcasing talent that earns him the respect of his fellow scouts. The scene sets a lighthearted tone as Elmer and his friends adjust to their new companion, who quickly proves to be much more capable than initially thought. The opening hints at the camaraderie, mischief, and upcoming adventures the boys will face during their camping excursion. The narrative style blends humor and excitement, promising an engaging tale that reflects the values of scouting.
Storm-Bound; or, A Vacation Among the Snow Drifts
"Storm-Bound; or, A Vacation Among the Snow Drifts" by Captain Alan Douglas is a boys' adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows a group of young scouts from Hickory Ridge, who embark on a winter trip to visit a friend’s scientific uncle but quickly find themselves lost in a snow-covered forest. The boys must demonstrate their scouting skills and teamwork as they navigate the challenges of survival in harsh winter conditions. The opening portion of the book establishes the main characters: Elmer Chenowith, George Robbins, and their friends, who are trekking through deep snow with heavy packs. After realizing they've taken the wrong path, the boys debate their situation with a mix of optimism and doubt. The chapter sets the stage for their unique adventures, highlighting their camaraderie and scout training as they strategize next steps to find shelter before nightfall. Amidst their struggles, they display traits of resourcefulness and determination, showcasing the classic tenets of scouting even in challenging circumstances.
Great Hike; or, The Pride of the Khaki Troop
"Great Hike; or, The Pride of the Khaki Troop" by Captain Alan Douglas is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story revolves around a group of Boy Scouts, specifically focusing on the energetic Hickory Ridge troop as they embark on an ambitious hike intended to test their endurance and skills. The opening part introduces several key characters, including Elmer Chenowith, the young leader, and his friends, who joke and discuss the competitive spirit among various patrols as they prepare for the hike challenge. At the start of the story, the scene is set in an apple tree where a group of boys, all members of the Boy Scouts, is engaged in friendly banter while picking apples. They discuss their upcoming challenge of a long-distance hike, which sparks excitement and camaraderie among them. The boys share light-hearted observations about each other's potential in the hike, setting the stage for friendly rivalry and showcasing their unique personalities. The dynamic among the boys, along with their hopes for the forthcoming hike, hints at deeper themes of friendship, sportsmanship, and youthful adventure as the narrative progresses.
Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol
"Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol" by Captain Alan Douglas is a boys' adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around a troop of Boy Scouts embarking on their first camping trip, where they have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired outdoor skills. Central to the story is Elmer Chenowith, a knowledgeable scout leader whose background equips him to guide his fellow scouts through various challenges and experiences during their outing. The opening of the story introduces a troop of khaki-clad boys on their way to set up camp near the Sweetwater River, marking the beginning of their exciting adventure. Led by scout master Mr. Roderic Garrabrant and assisted by Elmer, the group is filled with enthusiasm as they establish their campsite and engage in camaraderie. As the boys settle in, they share stories, confront fears of possible ghostly encounters, and prepare for a series of tests designed to build their skills. This slice of life captures the excitement and innocence of youth, setting the stage for the various escapades the scouts will face as the story progresses.
Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot
"Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot" by Captain Alan Douglas is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of Boy Scouts from the Hickory Ridge troop, specifically focusing on their adventures led by Elmer Chenowith, who takes on the role of a skilled pathfinder as they attempt to unravel the mystery of a missing scout named Nat Scott. The narrative introduces themes of friendship, problem-solving, and the spirit of adventure inherent in youth. At the start of the book, a group of seven scouts, including Elmer and Matty Eggleston, discovers a birch bark message left by Elmer while they are hiking in the woods. The message serves as a clever way for Elmer to communicate with his fellow scouts about a game they are playing, which involves following trails and tracking other scout teams. The friends excitedly decode the message that reveals information about their companions’ whereabouts and leads them further on their adventure. As the scouts delve into their expedition, they become aware of Nat's unexplained disappearance, and a sense of urgency and mystery envelops the narrative as they prepare to search for him, setting the stage for the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead.
Under Canvas; or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost
"Under Canvas; or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost" by Captain Alan Douglas is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century, as indicated by its language and themes. The story revolves around a group of young boys from the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts, led by Elmer Chenowith, who embark on an adventurous outing to gather nuts while exploring the legendary Cartaret estate, rumored to be haunted by ghostly figures. The opening portion introduces the boys as they set off on their journey, full of excitement and curiosity about their destination. Elmer and his friends are eager to discover the infamous nut grove associated with the old Cartaret place, despite some of them harboring superstitious fears about the ghosts said to inhabit the ruins. As they travel, playful banter and character traits are revealed, setting the tone for camaraderie and adventure. The boys soon find themselves facing unexpected challenges, including a runaway horse and encounters with local troublemakers, while the allure of the mysterious Cartaret Ghost looms in their minds, promising psychological thrills amid their boyish exploits.
Afloat; or, Adventures on Watery Trails
"Afloat; or, Adventures on Watery Trails" by Captain Alan Douglas is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows a group of Boy Scouts, particularly focusing on the members of the Wolf Patrol, as they embark on an exciting quest to find and rescue a fellow scout, Hen Condit, who is accused of running away after robbing his guardian. Against the backdrop of their summer vacation, the scouts navigate through various challenges, emphasizing themes of friendship, bravery, and the values of scouting. The opening of the book introduces us to the characters gathered outside the town of Hickory Ridge, eagerly anticipating their next adventure. Conversations amongst the scouts reveal their camaraderie and set a light-hearted tone, but this soon shifts when the news breaks that their comrade Hen Condit has allegedly stolen money and disappeared. Led by the responsible patrol leader, Elmer, the boys decide they must clear Hen's name and track him down, leading them into the twists and turns of the mysterious Sassafras Swamp. Through discussions and planning, the boys demonstrate the qualities of teamwork and courage, setting the stage for an adventurous narrative filled with potential dangers and the excitement of the unknown.