The Rim of the Desert

The story opens on the stark, semi‑arid plateau that lies east of the upper Columbia, a region hemmed in by the towering Cascades. The author paints a vivid picture of sage‑covered plains stretching to the horizon, punctuated by hidden coulees and, in good seasons, wheat fields that turn the valley into a world‑renowned garden. This borderland, caught between the rain‑soaked forests of the west and the dry desert beyond, provides a backdrop that feels both beautiful and unforgiving.

Against this landscape, a group of men gathers in a log‑built clubhouse overlooking the lake, where a fervent Alaska delegate argues for a trans‑Alaskan railroad. The dialogue reveals the clash between distant political interests and the harsh realities of frontier life, while characters like the seasoned government worker Hollis Tisdale bring a measured humor to the heated debate. Their discussions hint at the larger struggle to bring industry and connection to a remote, resource‑rich region, setting the stage for the challenges that will follow.