The Putnam Hall Encampment; or, The Secret of the Old Mill

At Putnam Hall, a spirited military academy perched on the edge of adventure, a close‑knit group of cadets lives for challenges. Led by the resourceful Major Jack Ruddy and his quick‑witted friend Pepper Ditmore, the boys constantly test their courage, whether on the playing fields, in daring balloon rides, or during secret midnight escapades. Their camaraderie and rivalries give the school a lively pulse, making every day feel like a new contest of skill and wit.

When the academy organizes a long encampment, the cadets march to a tranquil lakeshore, the perfect backdrop for a classic Putnan Hall trek. Near a crumbling old mill, Jack and Pepper find themselves locked in the belfry of a nearby church, the trap door stubbornly sealed. Their attempts to escape spark a puzzling mystery that beckons the whole troop, promising hidden clues and unexpected twists around the ancient mill’s forgotten secrets. The early hours of their adventure set the stage for a tale of teamwork, curiosity, and the thrill of uncovering what lies beneath the surface.