Hidden Gold

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25043

Title

Hidden Gold

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In the rugged West of 1922, cattleman Gordon Wade faces a deadly threat as sheep herders, instigated by the shady Race Moran, invade his valley. When Moran attempts to blackmail Wade's associate, Dorothy, a violent confrontation ensues, leaving Wade critically wounded. As he recovers, he must navigate betrayal, a hidden gold discovery, and the looming danger of a vigilance committee while protecting Dorothy from Moran's wrath.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the rugged backdrop of Crawling Water Valley, Wilder Anthony's "Hidden Gold" chronicles the escalating conflict between cattleman Gordon Wade and the encroaching forces of industrial greed. Wade, a man of integrity, refuses to sell his land despite the aggressive invasion of sheep herds orchestrated by the mysterious Race Moran, who poses as an Eastern agent. The tension mounts as Moran targets Dorothy, the daughter of a prominent Senator, leading to a violent confrontation where Wade and Dorothy are forced to tie Moran up in his own office. Although Moran eventually escapes, leaving a warrant for Wade's arrest, the immediate danger subsides until a subsequent struggle results in Wade being shot by Moran near his spinal cord. While recovering under the devoted care of Dorothy and the ranch foreman Bill Santry, the narrative delves into themes of loyalty, the clash between frontier codes and modern law, and the corrupting influence of ambition. A pivotal subplot reveals a map hidden within Moran's safe, indicating significant gold deposits on Wade's range. This discovery adds a layer of mystery to Wade's financial future, suggesting that the conflict may be driven by Moran's desire to seize these resources. As Moran attempts to return, Wade's condition stabilizes, and he confesses his true love for Dorothy, dispelling any lingering feelings for the Senator's daughter. The story concludes with Wade's recovery and a renewed sense of purpose, though the valley remains under the shadow of Moran's vengeance and the looming legal troubles that threaten to upend the community's way of life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25043.epub

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Categories

• Western Fiction