Frances of the Ranges; Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure

On the golden plains of the Panhandle, a teenage cowgirl rides her trusty pinto beneath a setting sun, her olive‑green attire blending with the landscape. With sharp grey eyes and a confident hand on her gun, she patrols the coulie where mountain lions stalk the grazing herd. When a desperate roar pierces the dusk, she spots a frightened rider trapped in the brush, his fate hanging by a thread. Without hesitation she spurs forward, ready to face the predator herself.

The encounter showcases her remarkable skill—she darts from the saddle, wrestles a shotgun from a fallen companion, and drives the ferocious cat back with precise fire. Though the lion is finally subdued, the rescue leaves her with more questions than answers, hinting at a deeper mystery tied to an old ranchman's hidden treasure. As the dust settles, she realizes this daring act may be the first step into a larger adventure across the rugged ranges.