
Two seasoned cowpokes, Ren Merton and his talk‑heavy partner Sig Watson, trudge up the mist‑clad Overwhich ridge, trading barbs and jokes while their horses navigate the steep trail. Their rough‑spoken humor and vivid descriptions of the western landscape set a lively tone, hinting at a world where camaraderie and quick wit are as essential as a steady aim. As dawn breaks, the pair’s restless banter is interrupted by an unexpected cry echoing from the woods.
Following the sound, they discover a frightened young woman bound to a tree, her dress tattered and her hair a tangled mess, right as a cougar lunges from the thicket. Ren’s instinctive draw and steady shot dispatch the predator in a flash of gunfire, leaving the girl bewildered and the riders with more questions than answers. Who is Oscar, and why does the girl insist he isn’t there? The mystery deepens, promising a blend of frontier danger, humor, and intrigue that will keep listeners eager for the next trail turn.
Language
en
Duration
~23 minutes (22K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: The Ridgway Company, 1916.
Credits
Roger Frank and Sue Clark
Release date
2021-07-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1883–1969
Best known for lively Western stories filled with humor, mystery, and ranch-country adventure, this Montana-born writer created the popular cowboy sleuths Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens. He also worked in Hollywood, writing for films from the silent era into the 1940s.
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