The Chums of Scranton High
 Or, Hugh Morgan's Uphill Fight

by Donald Ferguson

"The Chums of Scranton High" by Donald Ferguson is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of high school boys in Scranton who engage in typical youthful antics and athletic pursuits, particularly centering on their school’s baseball team. Among the main characters are Hugh Morgan, a courageous and principled boy, and Owen Dugdale, who becomes a focal point of suspicion due to mysterious circumstances involving a theft. The opening of the book sets the stage at Scranton High, where a group of boys discusses the impending baseball season, expressing excitement and rivalry. As they perch on the famous campus fence, the principal characters are introduced, including the school bully, Nick Lang, who doesn’t shy away from conflict. Meanwhile, dynamics shift when Owen Dugdale's name arises and suspicion of his integrity hints at deeper storylines. Pleasure turns to tension as conflicts emerge, notably an impending confrontation between Nick and Owen, framing the events that will unfold as Hugh stands up for justice and camaraderie in the face of bullying, thereby establishing the themes of friendship, loyalty, and moral integrity that resonate throughout the novel.