Book details
Starlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 26137
- Title
- Starlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
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Set on the rugged Arizona frontier, this collection of stories captures the grit and romance of Army life. Captain Charles King weaves tales of Apache scouts, mysterious new ranches, and the tragic bond between a cavalry officer and his beloved racehorse, Van. With vivid descriptions of the landscape and deep emotional resonance, the book offers a compelling glimpse into the challenges and camaraderie of the West.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
Charles King's *Starlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier* offers a poignant glimpse into the rugged existence of cavalry officers on the American frontier. The collection opens with a detachment of cavalry men scouting the mountains near the Tonto Basin in search of renegade Apaches. Tensions simmer under the command of the new, inefficient Lieutenant Gleason, whose inability to follow orders frustrates the weary officers. Amidst this military tension, curiosity mounts at Fort Phoenix regarding three mysterious pioneers who have established 'Starlight Ranch' in the valley. These well-supplied and polite men refuse social visits, guarding a secret beauty who appears only at night, creating an air of romantic mystery that captivates the garrison. The narrative then shifts to the personal lives of the officers, particularly Philip Stanley, a strict but deeply respected cadet at West Point. His story highlights the profound sacrifices of military life, culminating in an emotional reunion with his father after two years of separation. The collection's most powerful tale centers on the adjutant and his magnificent racehorse, Van. During a desperate pursuit of escaped prisoners, a loose pistol in the adjutant's holster accidentally discharges, killing Van. Despite the tragedy, the horse runs until he collapses, dying while still racing. This final act serves as a testament to the deep bond between man and beast, leaving a lasting impression of loyalty and loss that defines the spirit of the frontier.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26137.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg26137.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-07-04 11:34 UTC
People
Authors
- Charles King
Classification
Categories
- Military Fiction
- Western Fiction
- Frontier Fiction