Roy Blakeley in the Haunted Camp

"Roy Blakeley in the Haunted Camp" by Percy Keese Fitzhugh is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This work continues the adventures of Roy Blakeley and his friends from the Boy Scouts as they embark on a camping expedition filled with challenges and discoveries. The story features themes of friendship, bravery, and the nostalgia of youth as the characters encounter a mix of humor, mystery, and the haunting echoes of the past. The opening portion introduces the serene, sleepy town of Hicksville, North Carolina, where postmaster Joshua Hicks receives a peculiar letter addressed to an old woman named Mrs. Haskell. The letter, written by her son who is off to war, has a sense of urgency and melancholy as it details domestic concerns back home. Meanwhile, in Bridgeboro, New Jersey, we meet Roy and his fellow scouts contemplating their summer plans. They happen upon a stranger, Blythe, who offers them the chance to make some money by helping to dismantle buildings at Camp Merritt, leading to a blend of camaraderie and adventure as they set off. As they arrive at the camp, an air of mystery unfolds, especially with Pee-wee's discovery of a soldier's long-lost letter, setting the tone for the exciting escapades to come.