The Ranger Boys and the Border Smugglers

by Claude A. LaBelle

"The Ranger Boys and the Border Smugglers" by Claude A. LaBelle is a novel written in the early 20th century, part of a series aimed at young readers. This adventure tale follows three boys—Garry Boone, Phil Durant, and Dick Wallace—as they embark on a quest to investigate smuggling activities along the Canadian border. As public service-minded youths, they are determined to assist the Customs Chief in uncovering a band of fur smugglers and navigate various challenges that come their way. At the start of the book, the boys gather in the Customs Chief's office in Maine, where they receive their mission brief. They are tasked with acting as campers while investigating the smuggling operations in the illicitly trafficked forests near the border. The narrative introduces their personalities, backstory, and camaraderie, establishing the setting for their upcoming adventures. Shortly after departing for Bangor, they experience an unexpected turn of events as they stumble upon an urgent situation involving a potential crime, leading to their unexpected interaction with law enforcement. The opening chapters set the tone for an action-packed story rich in adventure and youthful bravery.