The Great Oakdale Mystery

A novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a small town, the story revolves around two young hunters, Fred Sage and Roy Hooker, who stumble upon a mysterious encounter while out on a shooting expedition. As they embark on their outdoor adventures, the boys unwittingly become entangled in a greater mystery involving a stranger and potential criminal activity in their town. At the start of the book, Fred Sage and Roy Hooker are introduced as they hunt in nearby woods, where they discuss their upcoming football season and the new players joining their team. During their outing, they encounter an unknown man in the woods, leading to a tense moment when Roy nearly shoots him accidentally. Following their encounter, the boys return home, but the stranger's unexpected interest in their families and subsequent disappearance start to trouble Fred, particularly as rumors circulate about an escaped convict. Fred's friend Sleuth Piper becomes fascinated by the mystery surrounding the stranger, suggesting he might be linked to a series of criminal activities, setting the stage for an unfolding mystery that intertwines their ordinary lives with dangers lurking nearby.