Old West Adventure

Although American author Bret Harte is most readily associated with stories about the West, it is his skill with characterization that distinguishes him from the hundreds of others who set fictional tales in the region. The miners, soldiers, gamblers, entrepreneurs, and lost souls who populate these pages are limned with Harte's unique combination of dry wit and tender pathos. This charming collection of Harte's short stories focuses on life in old California.

John Garrett is my image of a real cowboy, and my heroes are still cowboys. He's good with his gun and his fists, but doesn't fight except when forced. Smart, loyal and tough, John captures your heart, and the heart of Andy Blaine the heroine. Andrea is a bit of a tom-boy, but a beautiful, strong and true western woman. John gets involved in the war for water rights on Silver Creek and neighboring ranches because his father seems to be involved on the wrong side of the law.

Plagued with amnesia, our lead character, fur trapper, sometimes cowboy and scout, is determined to find out who he is and from where he came. Clues along the way take time and effect, sometimes great difficulty and anger. In the process he forges himself into a thoughtful, skilled adult with the help of diverse experiences and a strong mentor. In this vivid, raw adventure, our lead character, later known as Josiah Miller, takes on an exciting journey in the harsh Old West.