| Pat Murphy’s Trap | Frontispiece |
| Zeb’s Fight with the Rodney Boys | Facing Page 94 |
| “How did Zeb Fuller get that heifer into the Academy?” | “ “ 196 |
| “He’d ha’ found it out, if it hadn’t been for me” | “ “ 282 |
| “Because he forgot to ask me” | “ “ 348 |
The Village Champion
About This Book
A young man leaves a disreputable traveling troupe determined to begin anew, carrying a mysterious sealed valise and a firm resolve to be honest. He settles near a village academy, forges friendships, and becomes entangled in boyish rivalries, athletic contests, and practical jokes while confronting local puzzles such as a supposed belfry ghost and the mystery of a stray heifer. Episodes including a boxing match, fishing outings, unexpected visitors, and revealing telegrams complicate matters, yet resourcefulness, loyalty, and steady courage bring surprising disclosures and a reconciled return to roots.