Hal Kenyon Disappears

A group of thirty energetic boys from Lakefarm School trek back through the rugged beauty of Mummy Canyon, their spirited yells echoing off the steep walls as the sun sets over the Colorado high country. Led by the kindly yet unconventional Dr. Regulus Byrd and his two capable instructors, the boys pause to camp by a bubbling stream, turning a routine hike into a memorable night under the open sky. The landscape, steeped in legends of ancient cliff‑dwellers, adds a sense of timeless adventure to their youthful camaraderie.

Among the campers, Hal Kenyon and Byron Bowler take charge of building a fire, demonstrating a resourceful blend of frontier skill and youthful ingenuity. Using hand‑crafted tools and a bow‑drill, they coax a spark from dry cedar, soon coaxing a lively flame that crackles against the canyon’s quiet. As the fire grows, the boys gather around, sharing stories and laughter, unaware that the night’s calm may soon give way to an unexpected mystery that will test their courage and friendship.