Author
Roy Norton
1869-1942
Roy Norton (1869-1942) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Roy Norton
The Plunderer
"The Plunderer" by Roy Norton is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American West during a time of mining booms, the story follows Dick Townsend, a young man who inherits a half-interest in the Croix d'Or mine from his late father. He embarks on an adventure with his grizzled partner, Bill Mathews, to explore the potentially lucrative yet troubled mine, uncovering not only the challenges of mining operations but also threats from rival interests and the darker aspects of human nature in a rugged setting. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the rough, untamed world of the waiting road house and the men who frequent it. In a tense atmosphere, the notorious figure known as "Bully" Presby makes a dramatic entrance, provoking animosity from a mob of disgruntled former placer miners. The two main characters, Dick and Bill, watch the unfolding scene with a mix of intrigue and apprehension, setting the stage for their journey ahead. As they seek to hike to the Cross of Gold mine, they encounter the harsh realities of frontier life, including drunken hostility and the complexity of land ownership. The opening chapters establish a thrilling narrative filled with tension, character conflicts, and the looming question of whether the mine will yield fortune or be another tale of failure.
"A Cathcart or a Riggs?"
“A Cathcart or a Riggs?” by Roy Norton is a short story written in the early 20th century, likely in the 1920s. This narrative unfolds in a rough mining town in the American West, showcasing themes of personal identity, social reform, and interpersonal relationships. The story revolves around the enigmatic character Pearl Brown, her associations with the townsfolk, and the contrast between her and Horace Ring, who aspires to reform the community through journalism. The plot centers on Pearl Brown, a strong-willed woman who owns and operates the Alamo, an entertainment venue in the frontier town of Murdock. After a series of confrontations and misunderstandings with Horace Ring, the town’s reform-minded editor, the two eventually navigate their enmity into unexpected territory, revealing their deeper motivations and histories. As Pearl’s past intertwines with Ring’s aspirations, the story unfolds through a mix of brawls, social commentary, and relational dynamics, ultimately culminating in Pearl’s transformation and reconciliation with her identity. Ring's journey also reflects the challenges of standing up for one's beliefs, leading to a dramatic confrontation that changes the course of their lives. The resolution highlights themes of redemption and understanding, as both characters move towards a new chapter in their lives together, symbolizing change within themselves and their community.
The lost charm
"The Lost Charm" by Roy Norton is a crime fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the mystery of a stagecoach robbery, exploring themes of deception, friendship, and justice. Set against the backdrop of the American West, it combines elements of adventure and detective work as the protagonist seeks to uncover the truth behind the heist and exonerate an innocent man. The narrative follows David, a quick-witted and resourceful character, as he investigates a recent stage robbery that has rocked his community. The storyline begins with David learning about the theft of a substantial amount of money belonging to the unscrupulous businessman Tom Shaughnessy. As he delves deeper, David uncovers a convoluted scheme involving betrayal, questionable alliances, and hidden identities. He discovers key evidence tying Shaughnessy to the robbery, including a distinctive watch charm. With the help of his partners, David devises a plan to confront Shaughnessy, ultimately leading to the restoration of justice for the wrongly accused and the revelation of the dark undertones of greed and manipulation. As David emerges triumphant, the themes of loyalty and cunning shine through in this engaging tale of mystery and adventure.
To the lights
"To the Lights" by Roy Norton is a novel written in the early 20th century that captures the struggles of seafaring life against the backdrop of a tumultuous ocean. The narrative tells the story of Captain Joshua Fairley, an aging fisherman, as he perseveres through a violent storm at sea with his loyal crew aboard the trawler "I’ll Try". The book explores themes of resilience, familial bonds, and the unwavering spirit of those who live and work on the water. The storyline centers on Captain Joshua's attempts to navigate the relentless storm while grappling with the heavy burden of his past decisions and the well-being of his crew. After an accident leads to severe injuries among the crew, including himself, Joshua's deep-seated determination drives him to save the lives of those on board. His unwavering faith, coupled with a poignant sense of duty towards his family and crew, brings forth a powerful climax as a rescue vessel approaches. The story ultimately reflects on the lights that guide seamen home—a metaphor for hope, faith, and redemption in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Salvage
"Salvage" by Roy Norton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Captain Eli Drake, an independent shipowner navigating the challenging waters of the shipping industry during a time of economic downturn. The narrative unfolds in the historic port of Piræus, Greece, where Captain Drake seeks opportunities amidst his financial struggles and the prevalence of larger steamship companies driving independent merchants out of business. The plot follows Captain Drake as he discovers a suspicious ship, the Rhodialim, seemingly on the verge of being scuttled by its captain, Bill Morris. With the help of his dedicated crew and a resourceful new engineer, Giuseppe Beltramo, Drake concocts a plan to salvage the ship and thwart the nefarious intentions of its crew. This adventure pits scattered elements of deception against loyalty and survival, with Drake leveraging both strategy and brute force to secure the salvage against a backdrop of treachery at sea. In the end, Captain Drake emerges victorious, not only saving the Rhodialim but also planning to use the salvage money to reward his loyal crew.
Mixed Faces
"Mixed Faces" by Roy Norton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to two seemingly identical characters: Judge J. Woodworth-Granger, a dignified and serious figure, and James Gollop, an ebullient commercial traveler. Through their humorous mix-ups, the book explores themes of identity, societal roles, and the contrast between seriousness and lightheartedness as the two men navigate their entangled fates. At the start of the book, the opening chapter unfolds in a hotel lobby, where Judge Woodworth-Granger is mistaken for Gollop by a hotel porter. The Judge's rigid demeanor clashes with Gollop's carefree nature, leading to a comedic series of misunderstandings. The narrative contrasts the Judge's lofty ambitions of political respectability with Gollop's free-spirited approach to life, setting up a conflict that seems poised to explore their distinct personalities, aspirations, and the influence they have on each other's lives. The reader is engaged with humor and keen observations about the characters, laying the groundwork for an entertaining exploration of both their lives.
Gratitude
"Gratitude" by Roy Norton is a short story set in the rugged landscape of Alaska during the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the themes of gratitude, morality, and justice, following a group of miners known as "the Competents" who navigate their experiences in a small mining camp. The story explores the complex relationship between two central characters, Shakespeare George, who upholds a strong sense of justice, and Laughing Jim, a charming yet unscrupulous gambler. The plot unfolds as Shakespeare George and his mining partners confront a series of events involving Laughing Jim, whose gambling exploits lead to a near-fatal confrontation with another miner, Phil Mahoney. George intervenes to save Jim during a moment of crisis, demanding that Jim cease his gambling ways as repayment. However, in a turn of irony, Jim betrays George's trust by robbing him of his hard-earned gold dust. When the Competents learn of Jim's treachery, they set off to confront him, only to discover Jim fatally wounded in a confrontation with Mahoney. The story culminates with George and his partners recognizing Jim's complex nature—he existed as both a cunning gambler and a man capable of noble sacrifices—ultimately leading to a poignant reflection on gratitude and redemption, as George honors Jim with a heartfelt epitaph.
The man who talked too much
"The Man Who Talked Too Much" by Roy Norton is a short story written in the early 20th century. This narrative takes place during a journey on a railway and a steamer, featuring two main characters, David and Goliath, who are miners and prospectors. The story revolves around their encounter with "Lucky" Cochran, a garrulous man who talks incessantly about his newfound wealth and past experiences, much to the annoyance of the two travelers. In this comedic tale, David and Goliath find themselves trying to escape the incessantly talkative Cochran, who insists on accompanying them during their travels. Despite their efforts to distance themselves, they inadvertently get drawn into a situation where they come to pity the overly trusting Cochran when he becomes the target of two con artists aboard the ship. Ultimately, the twist reveals that Cochran is actually a clever con artist himself, leaving David and Goliath to reflect on their assumptions about him and their own gullibility. The story cleverly plays with themes of communication, perception, and the irony of appearances.
"Old Harmless"
"Old Harmless" by Roy Norton is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. This story centers on an elderly recluse named Old Harmless, or Uncle Bill, who resides in an isolated cabin in a beautiful but rugged gulch. The narrative explores themes of friendship, courage, and the deep connection that individuals can develop with nature. The book follows the relationship between Old Harmless and two younger partners, David and Goliath, who frequently visit him. They share tales of hope and nostalgia, as Uncle Bill remains optimistic about discovering a hidden gold ledge despite the passage of decades. When a conflict arises over the ownership of his land, Old Harmless is initially belligerent but is ultimately persuaded by his friends to avoid violent confrontations. The plot thickens when Heald, a lawyer and acquaintance of David and Goliath, steps in to help Uncle Bill, revealing that he inadvertently owns the land. In a heartfelt resolution, Heald vows to protect Old Harmless's home, pledging to keep the valley untouched as long as Uncle Bill lives. The story encapsulates the essence of belonging, the power of friendship, and the importance of preserving one's sanctuary, making it a touching read that resonates with anyone who cherishes the natural world.