The strike at Too Dry

In the dusty stretch of Too Dry, Montana, the hard‑edged ranch hand known as Dog runs a makeshift post office from his weather‑worn shack. His companion, the lanky Ducky, is as quick with a joke as he is with a sigh. Their daily grind of cattle, cracked roads and lone stagecoaches is punctuated by the occasional letter that stirs up memories of far‑off gold camps and family ties.

When a thick envelope arrives bearing a plea from Dog’s sister, the pair learn that her son—named for his uncle—has been stricken with a lingering illness. The letter promises a ticket west, a modest wage, and a chance to toughen up under the ranch’s rough hospitality. As the stage draws near, Dog and Ducky must ready a cramped loft, stock up on soap and cake, and brace for a newcomer who may change the rhythm of their isolated lives.