The Rover Boys at Big Horn Ranch; Or, The Cowboys' Double Round-Up

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26539

Title

The Rover Boys at Big Horn Ranch; Or, The Cowboys' Double Round-Up

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this thrilling Western adventure, the Rover Boys and their friends face a series of mysteries at Colby Hall and Big Horn Ranch. From a baffling robbery and a faked sleighing party to a daring horse theft, the lads must use their wits and courage to outsmart a notorious gang of cowboys. Packed with action, camaraderie, and classic boyhood heroics, this tale delivers an exciting ride for young readers who love adventure and justice.

Summary up to 500 words

In "The Rover Boys at Big Horn Ranch," the narrative begins at Colby Hall, where the Rover Boys—Jack, Fred, Andy, and Randy—enjoy a snowy day before a mysterious theft strikes the school. A thief steals valuable items, including Professor Duke's cherished heirloom watch, baffling the cadets and faculty. Tensions rise when a rumor of a rival sleighing party is exposed as a malicious trick by local boys Lester Bangs and Paul Halliday, who attempt to sabotage the Rovers' social standing. After the school term concludes, the Rovers travel west to Big Horn Ranch, owned by their uncle Jarley Bangs. Upon arrival, they discover that two of the ranch's finest horses, Duster and Whitehead, have been stolen by a ruthless gang led by Bud Haddon, along with his accomplices Jillson and Dusenbury. Uncle Jarley, aided by the Rover Boys and their friends, sets out to track the criminals across the prairie and into the woods. In a tense confrontation, the group ambushes the thieves, disarming them and capturing the gang before they can escape. Back at the ranch, further investigation reveals a larger pattern of horse thefts in the region. A posse is formed to raid Bimbel's ranch, where more thieves attempt to flee. During the raid, one criminal is shot in the leg and makes a full confession, implicating Bud Haddon as the leader of the gang. Under interrogation, another criminal breaks down and admits to arson, including the burning of John Calder's barn. Thanks to the evidence gathered, Bud Haddon and his gang are brought to justice. The stolen horses and other items lost at Colby Hall are recovered. While the young hero Lester Bangs is cleared of the thefts and allowed to go free, he receives a stern lecture from Colonel Colby and is told not to return to the school. With the mysteries solved, the Rover Boys and their friends return to their normal lives, ready for new adventures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg26539.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Juvenile Fiction