Frank Merriwell's Chums

At Fardale Military Academy the new term begins with cadets filing back into their barracks, and the atmosphere hums with the clang of routine. Fresh from a rocky rivalry, Frank Merriwell and Bartley Hodge have agreed to share a room, while their loyal friends Barney Mulloy and Hans Dunnerwust settle nearby. The “cock‑loft” they occupy is a model of military precision—iron bedsteads, neatly ordered hooks for every coat, a washstand kept in exact arrangement, and a board that tracks who’s responsible for the room’s order each week.

Despite the strict regimen that mirrors West Point, the boys bring their own personalities into the mix. Frank’s natural neatness makes the daily inspections almost effortless, while Hodge’s carefree spirit threatens to test the limits of discipline. Together with their spirited companions, they navigate the balance between camaraderie and duty, setting the stage for the lively escapades that await them in the months ahead.