Augusta Huiell Seaman
The Boarded-Up House
"The Boarded-Up House" by Augusta Huiell Seaman is a children's mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two young girls, Cynthia Sprague and Joyce Kenway, who are best friends and share a fascination with a mysterious boarded-up house that has stood adjacent to their homes for years, completely unoccupied and filled with secrets. As they explore the house, they embark on a quest to uncover its hidden past while encountering various adventures and challenges along the way. The opening of the novel introduces the two main characters, Cynthia and Joyce, and sets the scene for their exploration of the intriguing Boarded-up House. When they catch sight of Goliath, Joyce's cat, running off into the house, their curiosity peaks, leading them to follow him into the dark and dusty building. As they navigate the eerie interior, they uncover remnants of a past life, including disordered dining rooms and forgotten possessions. Their initial trepidation turns into excitement as they formulate a plan to investigate the house's history, leading to hints of a mysterious event that caused it to be abandoned. This engaging setup lays the groundwork for a deeper investigation into the secrets held within the house and the adventures of the two imaginative girls.