The Claim Jumpers

A noisy gathering of art students offers Bennington de Laney a glimpse of freedom beyond his closely supervised New York life. His wealthy parents place great weight on family dignity and proper manners, while his friends trade jokes and settle a playful dispute by wrestling on mattresses. Stewart Edward White begins this romance with social comedy, showing how Bennington's enthusiasm for their company coexists with embarrassment at their teasing.

Among creekside brush, birches and aspens, Bennington later shares games with a young woman whose quick movements and changing moods hold his attention. Their lively afternoon gives way to quiet reflection as he considers the confidence her company has helped him develop. The novel brings courtship together with a young man's growing willingness to form his own opinions and act for himself. Its scenes of conversation and outdoor play offer readers a close view of personal independence emerging from a formal upbringing.