The Scranton High Chums on the Cinder Path: Or, The Mystery of the Haunted Quarry

"The Scranton High Chums on the Cinder Path" by Donald Ferguson is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of high school boys from Scranton, including characters like Hugh Morgan, Thad Stevens, and Kenneth Kinkaid, as they embark on various adventures, including a nut-gathering expedition and the preparations for a great athletic tournament. The book combines elements of friendship, competition, and the thrill of youthful exploration. At the start of the narrative, the boys set out on a nutting adventure, illustrating their camaraderie and excitement as they gather black walnuts and chestnuts. Along the way, they casually discuss an abandoned quarry rumored to be haunted, which piques their curiosity and foreshadows upcoming thrills. Hugh is particularly interested in the old quarry as he prepares for an upcoming marathon race, discovering shortcuts and strategizing with his friends. As the boys tackle both their nut-gathering tasks and the challenges they face in their adventures, the stage is set for a series of athletic competitions and potential rivalries within the school community, hinting at a mix of competitive spirit and supernatural intrigue.