"From School to Battle-field: A Story of the War Days" by Captain Charles King is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story likely revolves around the experiences of schoolboys in New York City as they transition from their mundane school lives into the thrilling chaos of war, touching on themes of camaraderie and courage. The primary characters introduced are two boys, nicknamed Snipe and Shorty, who seem to embody the spirit of youthful adventure against the backdrop of an impending conflict. At the start of the narrative, Snipe and Shorty are depicted as friends grappling with the disappointment of a rainy Saturday that ruins their plans for a baseball game. Through their banter and playful grievances about their school life, the reader gets a glimpse of their characterization, as well as a nostalgic view of boyhood in a historical context. Their day turns unexpectedly exciting as they witness the commotion of the volunteer fire department responding to a blaze, highlighting both their youthful exuberance and the gritty reality of their environment. As the opening unfolds, it hints at the underlying tension and transformations their lives will undergo as the war looms on the horizon. (This is an automatically generated summary.)