Bunter the Hiker by Frank Richards.

Published in 1958 by Cassell & Co

Illustrated by C. H. Chapman.

Another fine holiday story, this one sees the chums embarking on a hike. Just as we have seen them do many times in the old Magnet. In fact, this story is basically a re-write of an earlier story. Bunter, normally a cadger of great ability, has no desire at all to latch on the Famous Five for the hols after he realises they are planning a hike. Instead he fixes on Smithy. Vernon-Smith certainly does not want Bunter, but, the unfortunate fact that Bunter has witnessed him pea-shooting Quelch leaves him no alternative but to silence the fat owl in the only way he can.

Smithy leaves the school early, saying he will contact Bunter later. It is not until Bunter, at home at Bunter Villa, receives Smithy’s phone call that the dreadful truth becomes apparent. Smithy is going hiking with Wharton & Co!

Bunter is faced with the awful choice of Bunter Villa, or hiking!

Although Magnet readers will have been down this road before, this is, nonetheless, an enjoyable story. Cardew, from St. Jim’s is encountered – he is on a cycling tour, and the chums are menaced by the usual warlike tramp.

Here, Cardew is portrayed in his post war “caddish” persona; Wharton & Co actually back up Smithy when it comes to a fight between the two.

Agreeably illustrated by Mr Chapman, this volume cost me 8/6 when I bought it new in 1964. (2^nd. Ed.)

Personally I prefer “Caravanners,” but two very superior post war holiday stories.