Airplane Boys in the Black Woods

by E. J. (Edith Janice) Craine

"Airplane Boys in the Black Woods" by E. J. Craine is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young boys, Bob Caldwell and Jim Austin, known as the Flying Buddies, as they embark on an exciting journey filled with mystery and danger in the tropical forests of South America. Facing an unexpected encounter with an ancient-looking man, they soon find themselves entangled in a series of perilous situations involving hostile natives and the supernatural, all while exploring themes of bravery, curiosity, and friendship. At the start of the tale, Bob and Jim land their borrowed plane in a secluded area of the dense forest, where they observe strange vegetation and the remnants of what could be ancient civilization. Their exploration takes a thrilling turn when they encounter a bizarre, old native man, setting off a chain of events that lead to an attack by hostile natives wielding deadly weapons. As they attempt to escape, they also navigate their own humorous interactions and banter, showcasing their contrasting personalities—Jim's cautious nature balanced by Bob's bold curiosity. The opening chapters set a tone of suspense and adventure, laying the groundwork for their challenges ahead.