
A cold night finds an elderly woman alone in a private hospital room, the glow of a fire casting soft light over her tired hands and the elegant surroundings that clash with her lingering dread. As memories of a violent past surge, she clings to the safety of her chair, only to be startled when a wiry, smiling stranger slips through the door, his presence both unsettling and oddly comforting. He claims to read thoughts and to stand between people and ignorance, offering “mental food” in the form of books, while the woman battles fear and curiosity.
The encounter sets the stage for a tale that weaves together mystery, the lingering echo of frontier hardships, and the promise of hidden knowledge. As the woman confronts this enigmatic visitor, questions arise about his true purpose and the secrets he may hold about the rebellious trail she once walked. The story promises a blend of suspense and the rugged spirit of the old West, inviting listeners to follow the trail of intrigue that lies ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (413K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-03-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1872–1948
An Anglican minister with a storyteller’s eye, this Canadian writer turned life in New Brunswick and the Yukon into popular fiction that reached a wide audience. He published widely and became known for brisk, accessible novels with a strong sense of place.
View all books