The Camp in the Foot-Hills; or, Oscar on Horseback

"The Camp in the Foot-Hills; or, Oscar on Horseback" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the adventures of Oscar Preston, a young and inexperienced hunter embarking on a journey to the Western frontier to collect specimens for a museum, all while grappling with homesickness and the challenges of life in the wilderness. The opening portion introduces readers to Oscar standing at a station in Julesburg, feeling a pang of homesickness as he watches a friend depart. Despite his initial enthusiasm for his expedition, he quickly reflects on his longing for home and the friendships he left behind. As he enters the colonel's headquarter, we learn about the preparation he must undertake and the expedition that lies ahead. The narrative sets the stage for Oscar's adventures by establishing his motivations and the characters he will encounter, including Big Thompson, his guide, and the challenges posed by the landscape and weather of the plains.