While Putnam Hall is not the real name of the particular place of learning I had in mind while penning this tale for your amusement and instruction; there is really such a school; and dear Captain Putnam is a living person; as are also the lively; wide-awake; fun-loving Rover brothers; Dick; Tom; and Sam; and their schoolfellows; Larry; Fred; and Frank. The same can be said; to a certain degree; of the bully Dan Baxter; and his toady; the sneak; commonly known as "Mumps."