The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys

by George Barton

"The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys" by George Barton is a fictional tale likely written in the early 20th century. This adventurous story centers around Herbert Harkins, a young boy who must navigate schoolyard conflicts and complex family dynamics in the small town of Cleverly. The narrative explores themes of courage, integrity, and the often challenging journey to uphold one’s principles in the face of adversity. The opening of the book introduces readers to Herbert Harkins as he is confronted by a group of boys during a school prank known as “barring out day.” When he witnesses his frail teacher left outside in the cold, Herbert's sense of justice drives him to devise a clever plan to regain entry to the school, leading to a confrontation with the school bully, Arthur Black. This conflict not only establishes Herbert as a resourceful and brave character but also foreshadows the challenges he will face as he learns to balance the responsibilities of friendship, family honor, and personal ambition in the ensuing chapters.