
In the rugged towns of Idaho’s frontier, a weather‑worn cattle magnate from the Pacific Northwest disembarks at the bustling Silver City stage, his German accent thick as the snow‑drifted landscape. He carries with him a wiry, orphaned youth—sharp‑eyed and quick‑tongued—who has learned to survive the open range by his own wits. Their uneasy partnership begins with a terse exchange of orders, wagers, and a test of marksmanship that sets the tone for a world where respect is earned in the crack of a rifle and the clink of a bottle.
As the seasoned boss weighs the boy’s potential against the harsh codes of the West, a subtle dance of mentorship and mistrust unfolds. The young man’s restless humor masks a deeper longing for purpose, while the veteran’s stern warnings about whiskey and authority hint at the fragile balance of power on the frontier. Together they navigate a landscape of cattle drives, distant towns, and the lingering echo of old‑world traditions, offering listeners a vivid glimpse into a bygone era of rugged individualism.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (364K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bill Brewer, and David Widger
Release date
1998-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1860–1938
Best known for helping define the Western with The Virginian, this American writer brought the landscapes and manners of the frontier to a wide audience. He was also a musician, essayist, and observer of American life whose work reached far beyond a single famous novel.
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