
Ike Harper narrates the tale of his fast‑talking partner, Magpie Simpkins, and the dazzling yellow boots that have become Magpie’s pride and, oddly enough, his curse. Fresh from a wild Totem stampede where they tried to clean up the loot, the duo rides the rails with a mix of swagger and nervous anticipation. Their banter‑filled camaraderie sets the stage for a gritty, humor‑spiced western adventure that never takes itself too seriously.
When a train screeches to an abrupt halt, Magpie’s vanity and Ike’s quick draw collide with a chaotic showdown. A mysterious bundle, a sudden burst of gunfire, and the uncanny squeak of those prized boots turn the moment into a frantic scramble. Amid the smoke, shouted commands, and rattling coal, the pair must decide whether to chase danger or protect what matters most—while the absurdity of trading a pair of boots for something far more fragile keeps the story lively and unpredictable.
Language
en
Duration
~41 minutes (40K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: The Ridgway Company, 1919.
Credits
Roger Frank and Sue Clark
Release date
2021-07-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1883–1969
Best known for lively Western stories full of humor and frontier action, this prolific pulp-era writer helped shape the feel of popular cowboy fiction in the early 20th century. His work later reached new audiences through film and television adaptations, including stories featuring Hashknife Hartley.
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