The Chums of Scranton High on the Cinder Path

A crisp October afternoon finds five inseparable friends from Scranton High cruising the countryside in a battered seven‑passenger car, their trunks brimming with walnuts, hickories and chestnuts. The forest around them glows in fiery shades, the air alive with the chatter of migrating birds and the constant caw of crows, setting the perfect backdrop for their annual “nut‑foraging” expedition. As they follow a map of the best groves—Guernsey Woods, old Morton Place, and the distant mill‑pond chestnut stand—the boys swap jokes, friendly wagers, and stories of past exploits, each eager to out‑gather the others before winter’s chill sets in.

Among the group, Hugh’s steady leadership, Thad’s athletic bravado, K.K.’s resourceful driving, Julius’s sturdy determination, and Horatio’s theatrical flair create a lively dynamic that turns a simple harvest into an adventure. Their quest for a bountiful stash of nuts—so vital for the harsh season ahead—brings them into contact with curious wildlife, a forgotten bee hive, and the simple pleasures of teamwork, hinting at the deeper bonds that will shape the rest of their high‑school years.