Uncle Bob invited Charlie to accompany him to a science laboratory to prepare for the new school term. His imagination soared when he crossed the threshold of the main laboratory and entered the challenging domains of exploration and discovery. Unicellular organisms came to life as he peered through a microscope. The noble role of the animals in the science lab awakened his heartfelt sensitivities. He created a human skeleton, which took on a new dimension. He learned a method for identifying rocks. Chemical models looked like tinker toys, and a flower model resembled an alien from outer...

Horse Thief Cave was carved out of the limestone cliffs of Woodland Nature Preserve. Members of the Secret Alliance held their meetings at the cave. The club was an exclusive culture of boys, who celebrated the innocence of their youth, the meaning of their existence, and the blessings of freedom. Colby invited Kasey, a new boy in town, to go with him to his favorite haunt, to persuade him to become a member of the club. When the boys arrived, Colby was immediately obliged to deal with Orton, a fellow member, sitting with his arm around a girl. Her presence at the cave purportedly violated...