The Mystery of Cleverly: A Story for Boys

In a small New Jersey town, the boys of Cleverly District School celebrate the old tradition of “barring out day,” sealing the school doors and windows while the older pupils take over the afternoon with games and mischief. When the teacher, Mr. Anderson, returns from lunch, he finds himself locked out and the boys inside laughing at his attempts to get in. The cold January air makes the situation uncomfortable for the frail instructor, and the tension builds as the younger students watch the spectacle.

Herbert Harkins, the only older boy left outside, refuses to let the teacher suffer. Spotting smoke curling from the chimney, he devises a quick plan: he drags a heavy board to the roof, props a ladder, and blocks the chimney, forcing the smoke back into the classroom. The sudden fog overwhelms the boys, who quickly surrender, opening the doors and letting the teacher back in. Order is restored, and the afternoon proceeds as if nothing had happened.