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

"The Putnam Hall Encampment; or, The Secret of the Old Mill" by Edward Stratemeyer is the first book in a series about boys at a military academy called Putnam Hall. The story follows cadets such as Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore who find themselves wrapped up in adventures, rivalries, and local mysteries. At the beginning of the story, they are trapped in a church belfry after a prank gone wrong, which leads them to believe they've been targeted by a bully, Reff Ritter. As they navigate their escape, they uncover their individual personalities. Their adventures lead to unlocking of a hidden mystery within the encampment, together with the introduction of Bert Field, who is connected to Jabez Trask and the haunted old mill, hinting at new challenges for the cadets. The beginning of the story sets the scene with humor, friend-ship, and adventure to characterize the series.