Fred Fenton on the Track; Or, The Athletes of Riverport School

by Allen Chapman

"Fred Fenton on the Track; Or, The Athletes of Riverport School" by Allen Chapman is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Fred Fenton, a talented athlete at Riverport School, as he engages in various sports competitions and faces unique challenges, including a disappearance of his friend Chris Colon. The narrative revolves around themes of friendship, competition, and perseverance. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Fred and his friend Bristles as they participate in a cross-country run. During their run, they discover a commotion involving a runaway horse, which they successfully manage to stop. This incident highlights the camaraderie between Fred and Bristles while also hinting at Fred's underlying concerns regarding his family's situation. The boys continue their race, but their adventure takes a dramatic turn when they hear strange groans emanating from a nearby well, leading to a rescue mission that foreshadows further challenges and intrigue in the story. The beginning effectively sets up the characters' dynamics and introduces a mystery that propels the plot forward.