Author
Walt Coburn
1889-1971
Walt Coburn (1889-1971) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Walt Coburn
Paid off
"Paid Off" by Walt Coburn is a fictional novelette written during the early 20th century. The story follows two cowpunchers, Shorty Carroway and Tad Ladd, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Montana after a skirmish in a saloon leads them to unforeseen troubles with the local law and a sinister cattle baron named Luther Fox. The main characters, Shorty and Tad, exhibit a mix of humor, bravery, and resourcefulness as they find themselves embroiled in a larger conflict involving cattle rustling and personal vendettas. At the start of the tale, Shorty Carroway engages in a gritty fistfight with a larger man in a saloon, a confrontation that draws the attention of the sheriff and the local crowd. The arrival of the sheriff abruptly halts the tussle, but not before the both cowboys find themselves arrested. Shortly after, they meet Luther Fox, who offers them a choice between prison or working for him to collect a debt from Hank Basset, a rancher under pressure. As the plot unfolds, the two cowpuncters quickly realize that the stakes are higher than they initially thought, especially with the tensions rising against Luther Fox. This intriguing blend of action, humor, and moral decisions sets the stage for a compelling narrative filled with the challenges and camaraderie typical of Western adventures.
A notched gun
"A Notched Gun" by Walt Coburn is a short story written in the early 20th century. This tale delves into the themes of redemption and the violent legacy of the Old West, following the life of a notorious killer as he navigates a tumultuous path marked by crime and the struggle for survival. It presents a character study of Sam Graybull, a man haunted by his past, yet compelled to do something noble for a friend in need. In the gripping narrative, Sam Graybull, a hardened outlaw, executes a cold-blooded bank robbery only to find himself facing a moral dilemma when he discovers that his only friend, Pete Peralta, is in dire need of help due to his wife's life-threatening condition during childbirth. Despite his violent nature and the heavy toll of his past actions represented by the notches on his gun, Graybull chooses to ride through harsh conditions to fetch a doctor, showing a flicker of humanity and loyalty. The story culminates in a tragic but poignant ending, where Graybull falls in a gunfight, but not before ensuring that his bounty money goes to Pete and his family, thus giving his life a semblance of meaning amid his violent legacy.
The man who hated himself
"The Man Who Hated Himself" by Walt Coburn is a novel set against the backdrop of the harsh Montana cattle trails during the infamous Great Blizzard of '86. Written in the early 20th century, the story delves into themes of desperation, morality, and redemption as it follows the rugged lives of cattlemen. The central topic revolves around the struggles of the protagonist, Buck Bell, against both the unforgiving winter and the weight of his own choices. The narrative follows Buck Bell, a cowboy who, driven by a series of unfortunate events and poor decisions, resorts to stealing a large payday intended for miners. As the story unfolds, Buck grapples with guilt and the consequences of his actions during one of the worst winters in history. He finds himself caring for a fellow cowboy, Cotton Eye, who he had previously been wronged by during a poker game. Their relationship complicates Buck's situation further as he confronts his past misdeeds. Ultimately, the story leads to themes of forgiveness and the arduous journey of redemption as Buck battles the elements and his own inner demons, culminating in a profound transformation sparked by survival and sacrifice.