Blackie Thorne at Camp Lenape

CARL SAXON
Author of “The Mystery at Camp Lenape”
BOOKS, INC. NEW YORK BOSTON
COPYRIGHT 1940, 1931 BY BOOKS, INC. MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
For BILL SIMMONS companion of tent and trail
“We’ve been working on the ra-a-ailroad
All the livelong day——”
Two enormous hay-wains, full and running over with a tumbling mass of boys, turned a bend in the narrow country road.
Blackie Thorne was the foremost boy on the first wagon. He clambered up on the narrow seat with so much eagerness to view the camp and the lake that he almost knocked over the stolid farmer who was driving the team. His first view of camp!
There it lay on the wooded slope above the shining lake and the boat dock, a large white lodge with a flag floating lazily above it, and two rows of canvas tents lost among trees to the right but showing clearly against the gray mountains beyond, with their heavy covering of tall pines sticking up like spikes along the skyline. Camp Lenape, where the wonderful things his friends told about had happened. Why, anything might happen in such a marvelous place as the camp which grew nearer every minute as the slow horses plodded their way along the dusty road!
Blackie squirmed with excitement and jerked his arm so that it hit the head of the driving farmer and knocked his wide straw hat down over his eyes.
“Here now, sonny!” spluttered the man, grabbing at his hat and almost falling off the board which served as a seat. “If you’re a-goin’ to get so het up about seein’ this camp-ground of yourn, you better get out and walk!”