Author
Dane Coolidge
1873-1940
Dane Coolidge (1873-1940) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Dane Coolidge
Hidden Water
"Hidden Water" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the Old West, the story revolves around the conflict between cattlemen and sheepmen, exploring themes of rivalry, land rights, and social dynamics within a rough-and-tumble desert town in Arizona. The narrative introduces Rufus Hardy, a newcomer with a pacifist inclination, who finds himself entangled in the ongoing tension between these two groups as he assumes the role of sheep expert for the Dos S Ranch. The beginning of the novel immerses readers in a storm-laden bar scene at the Hotel Bender, where cowboys and sheepmen alike gather to escape the elements and engage in revelry. The character of Hardy is established as he stands apart from the others, refusing both drinks and the social customs of the cowboys, which sparks tension with the barkeeper. As Hardy interacts with various local figures, including Jefferson Creede, the foreman of the Dos S, it becomes evident that a larger conflict over water and land between the cattlemen and sheep owners is looming, setting the stage for an exploration of moral courage and the struggles of frontier life amidst the changing landscape.
The Desert Trail
"The Desert Trail" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a border town amidst the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, primarily focusing on the adventures of two main characters, Bud Hooker and Philip De Lancey. As they navigate the gritty realities of the American-Mexico border, the narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of fortune against a volatile landscape. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to the lively town of Gadsden, where a cast of characters, including adventurers and refugees, gather amidst the tension of the ongoing Mexican conflict. Hooker and De Lancey, having escaped from dangerous situations in Mexico, arrive in Gadsden with hopes of finding new opportunities. They encounter an old prospector, Henry Kruger, who proposes a risky yet promising mining venture in Mexico, leading them into a web of intrigue involving betrayal, trust, and the pursuit of a lost mine. The opening establishes a rich setting that foreshadows the adventures and challenges the characters will face as they delve deeper into the enigmatic world of mining and Mexican culture.
Silver and Gold: A Story of Luck and Love in a Western Mining Camp
"Silver and Gold: A Story of Luck and Love in a Western Mining Camp" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a rustic mining camp, capturing the rugged life of miners in the American West. It primarily revolves around Denver Russell, a young hobo miner who embarks on a quest for both silver and gold treasures, as well as navigating the complexities of love in a harsh environment. The opening of the novel introduces us to the mining camp of Pinal, where the protagonist, Denver Russell, is foretold by a fortune-teller to discover two treasures—silver and gold—hidden within the shadow of Apache Leap. As he arrives in the town and takes in its deserted structures, he is quickly encompassed by the dynamics between miners, such as the grizzled Bunker Hill and the enigmatic Professor Diffenderfer. The narrative sets up a backdrop of conflict, competition, and burgeoning alliances, all while hinting at personal challenges and possible treachery. Denver's journey is not only about seeking riches but also about navigating friendships and the potential for betrayal among fellow prospectors.
The man-killers
"The Man-Killers" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the rugged backdrop of the American West, it follows the tense encounters between various characters embroiled in feuds, hold-ups, and power struggles, particularly focusing on the interactions of two dangerous factions: the Scarborough brothers and the Bassett gang. The story centers around Hall McIvor, a man caught in the middle of these conflicts, who faces the danger of being mistaken for a criminal he is not. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to an imminent confrontation in Deadman Canyon, where Hall McIvor finds himself ensnared by the treacherous Scarborough brothers after a mistaken identity. As they attempt to extract information from him, Hall displays courage and a strong will, rejecting their threats and asserting his intentions. During this opening segment, the reader is thrust into a world of tension, danger, and moral conflicts, with a hint of a larger narrative surrounding the feud between various characters, raising questions about loyalty, honor, and survival amidst lawlessness. The dynamics between the characters set the stage for the unfolding drama within this lawless frontier.
The Texican
"The Texican" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the cattle-ranching culture of the American Southwest and follows the life of Pecos Dalhart, a young cowboy with a complex background who becomes embroiled in a world of cattle rustling, personal conflict, and romantic entanglements. The novel seems to explore themes of morality, identity, and the quest for belonging in a harsh landscape. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a quiet road-house at Verde Crossing, where the atmosphere is charged with unspoken tensions and the echoes of past rivalries. Pecos Dalhart arrives on the scene, described as a promising but enigmatic figure with a rebellious spirit. He quickly becomes involved with the locals, including Angevine "Babe" Thorne and Marcelina Garcia, and reveals his underlying motivations - both to escape from an unsavory past and to carve out a new identity in a lawless environment. The opening sets the stage for potential conflicts with cattle barons and an exploration of Pecos's character as he navigates the perils of his new life. As the tension between the characters builds, the reader can sense that Pecos’s choices will have significant implications for himself and those around him.
Rimrock Jones
"Rimrock Jones" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a mining town named Gunsight and follows the protagonist, Rimrock Jones, a rugged and ambitious miner with a fierce determination to reclaim his lost fortune and restore his reputation. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the struggles of a man driven to prove himself amidst the harsh realities of life in the American Southwest. The opening of the novel introduces us to the quiet yet dusty town of Gunsight, vividly portraying its mundane activities disrupted by the arrival of Rimrock Jones on horseback. The tension builds as Rimrock strides through the town with a bag of ore, indicating his recent discovery that could change his fortunes. He encounters various townsfolk, which highlights his complex relationships, particularly with banker L.W. Lockhart and the manipulative lawyer Andrew McBain, both central figures in Rimrock's past misfortunes. As he converses with them, readers get a glimpse of his ambitious spirit and hints of a fierce determination to regain what he lost, setting the stage for the conflicts and challenges he will face in his quest.
Bat Wing Bowles
"Bat Wing Bowles" by Dane Coolidge is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Dixie Lee, a spirited young woman from Arizona, and a charming man from the East, Mr. Bowles, who seeks to embrace the cowboy lifestyle. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at themes of cultural clash, personal growth, and the daring adventures of ranch life. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Dixie Lee as she departs New York for her home in Arizona, where she unexpectedly encounters Mr. Bowles, a gentleman whose demeanor and mannerisms perplex her with their Eastern refinement. Despite her initial reservations about his character, there is an undeniable intrigue between the two. The opening chapters showcase an engaging dialogue between them, illustrating Dixie’s strength and independence, as well as Bowles’ naiveté as he tries to navigate this new Western world. This sets the stage for the unfolding story, capturing the promise of humor and the challenges that will arise as Bowles attempts to adapt to life on the ranch and win the respect of the local cowboys.
Shadow Mountain
"Shadow Mountain" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the deserted mining town of Keno, revealing the struggles of its remaining residents as they grapple with the loss of prosperity after the gold rush. The narrative centers around Wiley Holman, the son of an infamous figure linked to the town's decline, and Virginia Huff, the daughter of the once-prominent Colonel Huff, as their families' complicated history intertwines amidst ambitions, suspicion, and harsh desert realities. At the start of the novel, Keno lies in silence, a shadow of its former self, while an old man scavenges through the ruins. The arrival of Wiley Holman sparks intrigue, especially when he encounters Virginia, and their familial feud reignites old tensions stemming from their fathers' business dealings and betrayal. The opening captures the fraught dynamics between the characters as Wiley seeks to reconcile his family's past and Virginia grapples with her circumstances, all while the atmosphere of looming conflict and desire for redemption encapsulates the spirit of the town.
Wunpost
"Wunpost" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the desert landscape of Death Valley and follows the adventures of John C. Calhoun, nicknamed Wunpost, a prospector with a penchant for rugged determination. As he navigates relationships with other miners and his partnership with Wilhelmina Campbell, the reader is drawn into a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the harsh realities of mining life. At the start of the narrative, we meet Wunpost as he finds himself lost in the desert, on the brink of death from thirst. Just as hope fades, he's rescued by a boy named Billy, who turns out to be a girl in disguise, named Wilhelmina. Their bond forms the crux of the story, as Wunpost dreams of a gold mine he has discovered. However, the opening portion also foreshadows the tensions that arise with other prospectors, particularly Dusty Rhodes and the shady lawyer Judson Eells, hinting at conflicts over ownership and loyalty that will complicate their fortunes. The stage is set for a gripping exploration of trust and ambition against the backdrop of the unforgiving desert landscape.