Author
Charles Egbert Craddock
1850-1922
Charles Egbert Craddock (1850-1922) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Charles Egbert Craddock
The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge, and Other Stories
"The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge and Other Stories" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories delve into themes of the supernatural and the human experience, often exploring life in rural America, particularly in the Appalachian region. The collection sets its tone with rich descriptive language that evokes a sense of mystery and the uncanny, featuring characters that navigate both the physical and metaphysical realities of their world. At the start of the opening story, "The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge," we meet two characters, Simeon Roxby and his silent companion, who discuss the haunted nature of a dilapidated footbridge spanning a gorge. Roxby reveals chilling tales of ghosts associated with the bridge, including a young mother who lost her child there and now wanders in sorrowful remembrance. The atmosphere is steeped in a mix of local superstition and natural beauty, highlighting the contrast between the mundane and the supernatural as Roxby speaks of various specters encountered over the years. This setting establishes a compelling narrative of loss and the spectral remnants of the past, setting the stage for the eerie tales that follow in the collection.
The Story of Duciehurst: A Tale of the Mississippi
"The Story of Duciehurst: A Tale of the Mississippi" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River and revolves around the stranded steamboat "Cherokee Rose" and the lives of several passengers, particularly focusing on the complicated relationships and tensions among them. The central characters presented include the affluent but discontented Mr. Floyd-Rosney, his wife, and the Ducie brothers, with themes of wealth, social status, and hidden pasts beginning to unfold. At the start of the novel, the "Cherokee Rose" finds itself stuck on a sand-bar in the Mississippi River, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty among the passengers. The scene introduces Mr. Floyd-Rosney, whose discontent with the situation reflects deeper issues within his marriage as his wife, Mrs. Floyd-Rosney, reveals hints of a complicated backstory involving the Ducies. The young man, Adrian Ducie, encounters an old acquaintance across the deck as the conversations bring in light unexpected connections and tensions, particularly when the subject of past relationships and fortunes comes to the forefront. As passengers engage in spirited discussions amid their predicament, the stage is set for unraveling not just the physical challenges posed by the river but also the emotional and social dynamics among the characters.
The juggler
"The Juggler" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in a remote mountain community in Tennessee, it revolves around a mysterious juggler who arrives in Etowah Cove, surprising the locals with his extraordinary performances. The story explores themes of superstition, the clash between tradition and the unknown, and the complexities of human interaction in a close-knit society. At the start of the narrative, the arrival of the juggler heralds a significant change in the mundane lives of the inhabitants of Etowah Cove, who have only been accustomed to religious gatherings and schooling in their little log schoolhouse. His initial act, which includes swallowing a bayonet and the ensuing chaos among the audience, sets a tone of both curiosity and conflict, especially as it draws the ire of a local preacher condemning such antics as devilish. As the juggler navigates the reactions of the crowd, his internal turmoil and past hauntings surface, hinting at deeper issues that may threaten his safety in this superstitious community. With the excitement of the show juxtaposed against the juggler’s own anxieties, the opening chapters lay a rich foundation for exploring the intricate dynamics at play in the story.
The fair Mississippian
"The fair Mississippian" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set on an isolated Mississippi River plantation, it follows Edward Desmond, a brilliant but newly impoverished scholar who becomes tutor to the wealthy widow Honoria Faurie’s three sons. The story promises class friction, wounded pride, and a possible attraction between tutor and mistress, threaded through with a local “haunting” and the social theatrics of neighboring planters. The opening of the novel shows Desmond’s fall from promise after his father’s death and his reluctant arrival at Great Oaks, where Mr. Stanlett’s tactless chatter about Honoria’s fortune (tied to widowhood) and a parrot’s mocking song sharpen Desmond’s sense of humiliation. He meets the unexpectedly young and commanding Honoria, then lies awake to hear furtive footsteps on the stairs; Reginald explains the household’s ghostly legend. At breakfast Honoria’s birthday and Chub’s earnest “trading‑boat” gift reveal the family’s dynamics. Desmond asserts discipline, vetoing a holiday, choosing the library as a schoolroom, and quelling globe‑spinning and sulks; he spars with Reginald over the value of Greek and begins to win a measure of order while spending his nights reading and writing in solitude. As winter wears on, neighbors Colonel and Mrs. Kentopp arrive; Desmond even resists being summoned mid‑lessons, signaling the boundaries he intends to keep.
Down the Ravine
"Down the Ravine" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story follows Birt Dicey, a young mountaineer living in the rugged Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee, whose ambitions and dreams are stirred when he discovers a possible gold mine on lands that a friend, Nate Griggs, has just entered. Birt grapples with his family’s poverty and yearns for independence and a brighter future. The opening of the book introduces a picturesque yet challenging landscape, setting the stage for the character-driven tale. It begins with Birt and his friends hunting a red fox, leading to an exploration of Birt's hopes and dreams as he contemplates buying a horse to improve his family's farming efforts. His ambitions take a turn when he discovers a glimmer of what could be gold, but tension arises from the dynamics with Nate Griggs, who has returned unexpectedly with intentions of claiming the land Birt staked his dreams on. The opening chapters effectively establish the rural setting, Birt's desires, and the complications introduced by his friendships and the allure of adventure.
The Story of Old Fort Loudon
"The Story of Old Fort Loudon" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the perilous journey of settlers fleeing from the Cherokee Indians as they navigate the wilderness in search of safety at Fort Loudon. The tale captures the struggles of the MacLeod family, particularly focusing on the characters of Odalie and her husband Alexander, as well as their younger companion Hamish. At the start of the story, the MacLeod family, along with a group of pioneers, traverses through the dense forests of the Cumberland Mountains, feeling the constant threat of lurking danger from the Indigenous tribes. The atmosphere is tense as they attempt to travel undetected, and readers are introduced to Odalie's beauty and fortitude, contrasting sharply with the rugged wilderness. The opening section details their harrowing experiences, the interactions among family members, and the ominous presence of the Cherokee Indians, culminating in a precarious encounter that sets the stage for their future challenges and the dynamics between settlers and Native Americans.
The amulet: A novel
"The Amulet" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the American frontier during the aftermath of the Seven Years' War. The narrative introduces Captain Howard and his daughter, Arabella, as they navigate their life at Fort Prince George, embodying a dynamic mix of isolation, the perils of military life, and burgeoning cultural encounters with Native Americans. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of Fort Prince George on a bleak, moonlit night, capturing Arabella's fascination with the stark beauty surrounding her. It describes her interactions with the men stationed at the fort, including Captain-Lieutenant George Mervyn, whom she finds somewhat lacking in charm, and Ensign Raymond, who evokes her sympathy. As a sense of unease develops between the young men, hints of underlying tensions are suggested, amidst contrasts of military duty and domestic life. The interactions set a stage rich in character development, hinting at themes of love, social status, and the complexities of life on the untamed frontier.
The raid of the guerilla, and other stories
"The Raid of the Guerilla and Other Stories" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book taps into themes of love, loss, and the nuances of human character amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, often portraying life in the Great Smoky Mountains. The opening story presents Ethelinda Brusie, a spirited young woman caught between her loyalty to the Union and the dangers of war as her secluded community faces an imminent raid by a notorious guerrilla leader. The beginning of the collection introduces Ethelinda amidst anxious discussions among her family about an impending guerilla raid threatening their home in Tanglefoot Cove. As her family members express their fear and concern, Ethelinda reveals her involvements that could potentially endanger her—specifically, her willingness to aid Union troops. This setup creates a palpable tension as the characters wrestle with personal convictions, community loyalty, and the risk of reprisal in a precarious wartime setting. Ethelinda's character is fleshed out through her interactions with her family and the choices she makes, establishing a complex interplay of innocence, bravery, and moral dilemma against the backdrop of conflict.
The phantoms of the foot-bridge 1895
"The Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of a haunting mountain landscape, it weaves together the lives of its characters with local folklore, particularly focusing on a mysterious footbridge said to be frequented by phantoms. The narrative creates an atmosphere thick with tension and tragedy as it explores human emotions in the face of death and the afterlife. The story follows John Dundas, a man seeking refuge in a remote mountain area, who encounters the enigmatic Millicent Roxby and her uncle, Simeon. As Dundas becomes entwined in regional legends surrounding the footbridge—where spectral sightings of those lost to tragedy regularly occur—he faces both the supernatural elements of the landscape and the challenges of human relationships. The tension escalates with the arrival of Emory Keenan, who harbors jealousy towards Dundas and ultimately becomes embroiled in a violent confrontation. Keenan's fate leads to both revelation and consequence, intertwining the past and present, ultimately leaving a lingering impact of loss and remembrance upon the living and the dead. The novel elegantly captures the intersection of love and horror, revealing how the echoes of the past continue to haunt both the living and the dead.
In the clouds
"In the Clouds" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces us to the lives of two herders, Ben Doaks and Mink Lorey, who navigate the desolate yet breathtaking landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. The narrative sets up an exploration of their daily lives, punctuated by moments of absurdity, interpersonal tensions, and an undercurrent of the supernatural, particularly surrounding the mysterious figure known as the Herder from Thunderhead. The opening of the novel immerses the reader in the lonesome beauty of Piomingo Bald, where Ben Doaks often reflects on the ominous presence of the peak Thunderhead. Mink, his companion, struggles with the isolation and monotony of their environment, often engaging in mischievous antics, showcasing his restless spirit. Their conversations reveal not only their personalities but also hints of local legends regarding a spectral herder and the unknown forces that govern their lives. As they confront both the physical and metaphysical challenges of their world, the relationship between the two herders, coupled with the looming threat of the supernatural, lays the groundwork for a story rich in character development and atmospheric tension.
The Young Mountaineers: Short Stories
"The Young Mountaineers: Short Stories" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This work transports readers into the rugged and atmospheric mountains of Tennessee, where life is interwoven with local folklore, supernatural occurrences, and the everyday struggles of its inhabitants. The narratives delve into the lives of various characters, such as the superstitious Creyshaw family and young boys like Si, who contend with tales of ghosts and the harsh realities of their environment. The opening of the first story, "The Mystery of Old Daddy's Window," introduces us to Jonas Creyshaw, who, while smoking on his porch one night, observes a mysterious figure rising from the precipice of "Old Daddy's Window." His panic leads to an amusing series of misunderstandings with his wife Mirandy and their family, particularly the two boys, Tad and Si. As tension builds around the notion of a haunting, the story explores themes of fear, family dynamics, and the innocence of childhood. The blend of eerie atmosphere with humor provides a vivid snapshot of life in the mountains and sets the tone for the stories to come.
The champion
"The Champion" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to a young printer's devil named Edward Macdonald, who aspires to become a champion compositor in the bustling environment of a newspaper office. Through his misadventures, the novel explores themes of ambition, innocence, and the challenges of growing up in a city filled with both opportunities and temptations. The opening portion of the book sets the stage in a lively printing house, where Edward interacts with a friend, Peter Bateman, while navigating the chaos of the busy newsroom. Eager to escape his mundane job to witness the excitement of the theatre, Edward is persuaded by Pete to sneak into Gorham's Theatre through a back window. As he embarks on this adventure, the narrative hints at his internal conflict over his actions and the moral implications of his desire for fun and excitement. The tone shifts as the boys become embroiled in unforeseen danger and drama, foreshadowing the turbulent experiences that will shape Edward’s journey.
The moonshiners at Hoho-hebee Falls 1895
"The Moonshiners at Hoho-hebee Falls" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the vivid backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and follows the life of young Leander Yerby, who is characterized by his adventurous spirit and defiance of authority, particularly that of his teacher, Abner Sage. The narrative explores themes of childhood innocence, the complexities of familial relationships, and societal pressures, introducing readers to the tensions between Leander's free-spirited nature and the rigid expectations imposed by his environment. At the start of the novel, the scene is established in a small schoolhouse located near Holly Cove, where the majestic mountains and rivers create a rich tapestry of nature. Leander Yerby stands out among his peers for both his academic prowess and his disregard for the teacher's warnings about the dangers of the wilderness. As tensions brew within the Sudley household regarding Leander's upbringing and the emotional scars of loss following a tragedy, the reader gains insight into the interplay of love, resentment, and hope that shapes the characters' lives. The opening chapter sets the stage for conflict, hinting at Leander’s growing independence and the influence of his environment, which foreshadows the important choices he will face.
The bushwhackers & other stories
"The Bushwhackers & Other Stories" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The opening tale follows Hilary Knox, a young mountaineer yearning for adventure, as he navigates the challenges of war and personal identity in East Tennessee during a time of conflict. The story explores themes of courage, the longing for action, and the complexities of young ambition amid the backdrop of war-torn landscapes and shifting allegiances. At the start of "The Bushwhackers," we meet Hilary Knox, a sixteen-year-old boy who is captivated by dreams of enlisting in the army and joining the fight for his country, despite his mother's apprehensions. He spends his days anxiously watching for signs of cavalry in the mountains, longing for the thrill of military life. When he finally gets the chance to enlist, he feels a mix of excitement and apprehension, especially as he bids farewell to his childhood friend Delia, who expresses her fears about the dangers he will face. Throughout the opening chapter, we witness Hilary's internal conflict between youthful bravado and the harsh realities of courage as he grapples with his aspirations in a world fraught with uncertainty and danger.
The riddle of the rocks 1895
"The Riddle of the Rocks" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the Great Smoky Mountains and centers around Roger Purdee, a mountaineer who believes that two isolated sandstone blocks are the stone tablets of the Law flung down by Moses. As Purdee grapples with his superstitions, convictions, and the local feuds, the narrative delves into themes of faith, illusion, and the community’s responses to Purdee’s beliefs. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the Smoky Mountains, introducing us to Roger Purdee, a simple yet deeply introspective man who finds spiritual significance in two peculiar sandstone stones. As he spends time contemplating these rocks, he becomes increasingly entwined in spiritual and social conflicts, particularly with the nearby Grinnell family, stemming from a deep-rooted feud. The tension in the community escalates as Purdee’s claims to the rocks attract both derision and reverence from his neighbors, particularly as a cultural and religious examination takes place during camp meetings. This complex interplay of individual belief versus communal values sets the stage for the unfolding drama, which resonates with themes of higher truth and human fallibility.
The despot of Broomsedge Cove
The despot of Broomsedge Cove by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, it explores a tight-knit Appalachian community caught between religious fervor, frontier law, and personal vendettas. The story centers on Teck Jepson, a charismatic and overbearing zealot, the embattled constable Eli Strobe and his family, and Jake Baintree, a young man acquitted of a neighbor’s murder but still shadowed by suspicion. The opening of the novel lingers on the wild grandeur of the Smokies and introduces Teck Jepson, who merges Old Testament drama with local life and harbors a relentless conviction that Jake Baintree killed Samuel Keale. After tense exchanges with constable Eli Strobe and Ben Bowles, and a glimpse of Bowles’s uneasy household, Jepson wanders into a gorge at night and finds a hat and coat hidden behind a split rock—garments he believes belonged to the missing Keale. At a river baptism soon after, Jepson publicly brandishes the items and denounces Baintree, prompting the parson to refuse baptism until a confession is made, as thunder and rain scatter the crowd. In the storm’s aftermath, Jepson shelters under a cliff with Eli Strobe’s daughters, Marcella and Isabel; their wary, lively talk reveals Marcella’s worry over her father’s reelection and his principled defense of the court’s verdict, while Jepson insists Eli’s stance will cost him votes. The section closes with hints of Baintree’s odd, subdued behavior since jail and the community’s simmering conflict over guilt, grace, and power.
Who Crosses Storm Mountain? 1911
"Who Crosses Storm Mountain?" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of rural life in the American mountains, the book presents a narrative that explores themes of conflict, poverty, and redemption. The story revolves around the struggles of the Gilhooley family, emphasizing their hardships and the impact of their social environment. The plot unfolds as the Gilhooleys face a crisis when Deputy Clem Tweed levies an illegal execution against their property, driven by a vendetta from the vindictive Peter Petrie. In response, Ross Gilhooley, the family patriarch, reacts in rage, leading to a series of events that culminate in their forced departure from their home. Amidst this turmoil, the narrative takes a whimsical turn with the accidental baby kidnapping by the drunken Tank Dysart, who places the baby in a mailbag. Eventually, the child's fate intertwines with the Gilhooley family, leading to a resolution that fosters reconciliation between their feuding families. Ultimately, the story highlights the themes of familial bonds and the spirit of goodwill during the Christmas season.
His "day in court" 1895
"His 'Day in Court'" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and revolves around the Quimbey family, particularly focusing on the complex relationship between Evelina Quimbey and her husband, Absalom Kittredge, as well as the long-standing feud between their families. Themes of familial loyalty, societal expectations, and personal conflict emerge as Evelina grapples with her loyalties and identity in a tense, rural setting. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene of a hard winter transitioning to spring along the mountain slopes, introducing the reader to the disordered home of the Quimbey family. Three men—two brothers, Stephen and Timothy, and their father, Joel Quimbey—are depicted in a moment of tension as they discuss their daughter Evelina and her relationship with Absalom Kittredge. The atmosphere is thick with familial conflict as Joel expresses his outrage over Evelina’s choice to marry into the Kittredge family, a group historically at odds with the Quimbeys. The opening also teases future conflicts related to Evelina's marriage, hinting at intrigue as the family discusses the aftermath of a previous violent incident involving Absalom. The tale unfolds with a rich sense of local color and character dynamics that promise a compelling exploration of love, betrayal, and the deep-seated influences of family legacy.
Where the battle was fought : $b a novel
"Where the Battle Was Fought" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set on a haunted Tennessee battlefield during Reconstruction, it follows the proud but ruined General Vayne and his lively daughter Marcia as their isolated, mortgaged household intersects with Captain John Estwicke, a Union officer unsettled by the ground’s grim memories. In parallel, a financier, Maurice Brennett, and his improvident associate Travis scheme around an inheritance tied to Antoinette St. Pierre, stirring legal and moral peril. Expect a blend of Gothic atmosphere, postwar social tension, and intrigue over identity, honor, and property. The opening of the novel lingers on a ghost-rumored battlefield and a shattered mansion where General Vayne, Marcia, and Aunt Kirby receive Estwicke, whose uneasy reaction to “Fort Despair” hints at a hidden past; a ferryman later mistakes him for a dead Confederate officer who once burned the bridge there. In town, Estwicke befriends a young lawyer, Meredith, then catches a card-sharp cheating during a poker game at a hotel; with an unloaded pistol he forces the cheat to disgorge the winnings, only to reject the money in disgust. Meanwhile Brennett, captivated by Estwicke’s fierce presence, turns to urgent business: his partner Travis has been cut out of expected funds by a codicil favoring Antoinette St. Pierre, so they plot to regain value by pressing her to swap her city houses (clouded by a remainder-man’s title, John Doane Fortescue) for Travis’s plantations, or even to marry her, sweetening the approach with a storied family heirloom. These threads set a mood of ruin and calculation, establishing the central characters, tensions, and schemes without yet resolving them.
The story of Keedon Bluffs
"The story of Keedon Bluffs" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, it explores mountain life shaped by Civil War aftershocks, local lore, and a looming mystery tied to the towering Keedon Bluffs. The story centers on young Ike Guyther, his blind artilleryman uncle Abner, the dubious drifter Jerry Binwell, and Jerry’s captivating little daughter Rosamond, as suspicion and old grievances collide with whispers of hidden treasure and haunted caves. The opening of the novel paints the bluffs and river in vivid detail, introduces the found cannonball, and sketches Ike’s restless courage alongside Abner’s proud, wounded stoicism. A stranger with an ox-cart—Jerry—arrives with his irresistible child, Rosamond, spinning eerie “witch” warnings about the cliff hollows that Ike suspects are meant to scare him off. When a storm forces Jerry into Ike’s home, Abner recognizes him and angrily accuses him of wartime treachery, but the family’s hospitality—and Rosamond’s charm—prevail for the night. As Rosamond wins every heart, Jerry recounts his hard luck, while privately showing a mocking edge. In town, gossip swirls: an old-timer suggests Abner wants to reach the cliff cavities not for a cannonball but for Squire Torbett’s rumored hidden money that Ab and Jerry once helped conceal. Community disapproval hardens around Jerry, who tries to regain face by showing off his agility at the store, even as taunts about desertion dog him.
The Ordeal: A Mountain Romance of Tennessee
"The Ordeal: A Mountain Romance of Tennessee" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, it intricately weaves themes of love, regret, and the complexities of human relationships. Central to the narrative are Edward Briscoe and his cousin Julian Bayne, whose past connection with the alluring Lillian Royston brings tension and unresolved feelings to the forefront. The opening of the novel introduces us to a serene yet somber atmosphere in the Briscoe's mountain bungalow, highlighting the unsettling sense of solitude and the anticipation of autumnal splendor. Edward Briscoe is nervously awaiting his cousin Julian, who arrives unexpectedly, triggering an awkward conversation about a shared past with Lillian, his now-widowed former fiancée. The tension escalates as both men navigate their feelings surrounding Lillian’s presence during this season of reflection, foreshadowing emotional confrontations that arise from their intertwined histories. As their discussion unfolds, Briscoe reveals that Lillian is visiting, bringing an unavoidable nostalgia and unease that permeates the environment, setting the stage for the forthcoming drama.
The Frontiersmen
"The Frontiersmen" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a historical novel published in the early 20th century, likely around the early 1900s. The narrative is set against the backdrop of frontier America and explores the lives of early settlers, including themes of love, conflict, and survival in a tumultuous environment. The main characters include the brave and spirited Peninnah Penelope Anne Mivane, who navigates both her romantic interests and the harsh realities of pioneer life, and Ralph Emsden, her young pioneer lover who faces external threats alongside the settlers. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Peninnah Penelope Anne Mivane, who watches with determination from the safety of a stockade—a protective enclosure for settlers—during an attack by Cherokees. The narrative reveals her resilience as she aids Ralph Emsden during a violent confrontation, highlighting both their romantic bond and the grim reality of frontier life. Much of the opening details their interaction amidst the chaos, as well as the eccentricities of her grandfather, Richard Mivane, who struggles with his deafness but navigates his role as a protector and patriarch. As the plot unfolds, tensions between settlers and indigenous peoples are explored, alongside burgeoning young love amidst the turmoil.
The windfall : $b a novel
"The Windfall" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work explores themes of aspiration and the clash between urban and rural life through the eyes of the central character, Hilary Lloyd, a showman who embarks on a journey to run a street fair in the remote town of Colbury located amidst the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains. As he struggles to generate interest in his fair, the narrative hints at the complex dynamics between the characters, particularly between Lloyd and the townsfolk, who view his enterprise with skepticism. At the start of the story, Hilary Lloyd arrives in Colbury, facing the daunting challenge of promoting his street fair in an isolated, indifferent town. He is accompanied by his partner Haxon, who is disheartened by the lack of enthusiasm from the local populace and the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding mountains, which contrasts starkly with their dire situation. As the fair preparations unfold amidst physical labor and local commentary, Lloyd's hope battles his sense of impending failure. During a moment of solitude, he encounters Clotilda Pinnott, a local girl, and is captivated by her grace, further complicating his feelings as he grapples with the impending storm—both literally and metaphorically—as he promotes the attractions of his fair while assessing his uncertain place within this rural community.
A spectre of power
"A spectre of power" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the Cherokee town of Great Tellico during the colonial struggle for influence, it follows a French officer and a Choctaw chief as they court Cherokee alliance—and collide with local custom and personal jealousy. The key figures are the French lieutenant Laroche, the Choctaw ambassador Mingo Push-koosh, the Cherokee leader Moy Toy, and his sister Akaluka (Eve), whose inadvertent acceptance of a gift sparks peril. Expect frontier statecraft, tense ceremonies, and a fragile balance between diplomacy and violence. The beginning of the story introduces a Choctaw embassy—accompanied by Laroche—to Tellico, where elaborate Cherokee rites, dances, and a bear-hunt pantomime mark their reception. Laroche’s true task is to solve a supply problem: the impassable shoals on the Cherokee River; when he cannot, he proposes “barrier towns” and an overland portage to make French trade and munitions flow. A public sensation erupts when Akaluka dives into the river to save a drifting scarf from the embassy cargo, which Push-koosh treats as acceptance of his suit under Cherokee custom. Laroche urges delaying any marriage for political prudence; Push-koosh, consumed by jealousy, coldly declares he would kill a Cherokee wife if the tribes become enemies. Warned by Laroche, Moy Toy and the chiefs return the scarf, but Push-koosh, affronted, destroys the French powder, raises the war-brand, and his party massacres unsuspecting Tellico youths before fleeing. The opening closes with Laroche abandoned and under guard in Tellico, facing the wrath of a grieving, enraged town.