The Guardsman

"The Guardsman" by Homer Greene is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the youthful characters in the town of Fairweather as they navigate the mischief of Hallowe'en and face the consequences of their actions. The main characters, Halpert McCormack and Benjamin Barriscale, both come from prominent families and engage in a series of antics that culminate in the theft of a statue from Barriscale's home, which leads to unintended afflictions and moral dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the mischief and chaotic spirit of Hallowe'en in 1909, showcasing a group of boys, led by Hal McCormack, who embark on a nighttime escapade that involves removing a cobbler's sign and aiming to place it on the property of Benjamin Barriscale, the wealthy head of the Barriscale Manufacturing Company. However, their adventure escalates when they consider stealing an ornamental marble statue from Barriscale’s fountain, leading to the accidental breaking of the statue later in the story when a rival group encounters it. The narrative sets up a conflict rooted in youthful indiscretion, friendship, and the pursuit of social standing, paving the way for themes of accountability and personal growth as Hal must face the repercussions of their Hallowe'en antics.