
A bustling cattle round‑up camp on the high plains becomes the backdrop for an unexpected visit from a quartet of curious travelers—two spirited young women, a dashing newcomer, and an older gentleman with a penchant for showmanship. As the cook’s shrill call summons the hungry crew, the newcomers are thrust into the raw, sun‑baked world of cowboys: hard‑bitten men, clanking Dutch ovens, and the unmistakable rhythm of hooves and rope. The scene unfolds with vivid detail, from the scent of simmering beans to the tension of a horse‑taming demonstration that has the visitors alternately awed and amused.
Amid the dust and camaraderie, Laramie “Red,” a veteran wrangler, takes center stage, coaxing his stubborn roan, Old Thunder, into a daring mount that showcases the gritty skill behind the romantic myths of the West. The narrative captures the clash of polished tourists with the unvarnished reality of frontier life, blending humor, rugged authenticity, and a hint of impending adventure. Listeners are invited to experience the sights, sounds, and unfiltered spirit of a true western roundup, where every rope snap and shouted “Go!” echoes the timeless pulse of the open range.
Language
en
Duration
~27 minutes (26K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Consolidated Magazines Corporation (The Blue Book Magazine), 1924.
Credits
Roger Frank and Sue Clark
Release date
2022-07-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1952
Best known for vivid adventure stories set in the American West, this early 20th-century writer blended fast-moving action with a reporter’s eye for historical detail. His books introduced generations of young readers to frontier figures, expeditions, and turning points in American history.
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