The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle

In the humid South, where winter never truly freezes, the Gaylord brothers—Walter and Eugene—spend their days amid the sounds of hounds, the crack of a shotgun, and the endless buzz of outdoor pursuits. Their family estate, a sprawling preserve of marsh, woods, and water, serves as the backdrop for endless hunting, fishing, and the lively debates that fill long evenings by the fire.

Walter, the elder, prefers quiet observation—studying waterfowl from a riverbank and savoring a good book—while Eugene thrives on noise, competition, and the thrill of the chase. Their friendship is tested by a rivalry with Bayard Bell, a fellow student determined to outdo them in every winter sport. As snow begins to fall, the brothers brace for a season of contests, camaraderie, and the occasional misstep that only youthful hearts can understand.