The Black Wolf Pack

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22109

Title

The Black Wolf Pack

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In 1911, Donald Crawford's life unravels when a faulty car spark-plug exposes a shocking secret: he may not be the son of his wealthy, kind father. Adopted as an infant, Donald embarks on a perilous wilderness journey to find his real parents, guided by a mysterious trapper. Along the way, he encounters legendary beasts, a pack of wolves, and a legendary hunter who turns out to be his estranged uncle, Fay Mullen. A tale of mystery, adventure, and family secrets.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1922 by Dan Beard, *The Black Wolf Pack* is an adventure story set in the rugged American West that intertwines mystery, survival skills, and profound family drama. The narrative begins in 1911 with Donald Crawford, the adopted son of wealthy Alexander and Mrs. Crawford. A mechanical failure leaves Donald's car blocking a busy street, prompting a bitter truck driver named Blink Broosmore to accuse Donald of being an orphan taken in by his father. This public humiliation shatters Donald's world, leading his parents to reveal the truth: Donald was found as an infant in Connecticut and legally adopted, though his biological father's identity remained unknown. Inside a tin box left with the baby was a message from the unknown father, Donald Mullen, and a bag of gold. Determined to uncover the truth, Donald follows a mysterious trail left by a figure known as the 'Wild Hunter' deep into the Rocky Mountains. Guided by the expert trapper Big Pete, Donald learns essential wilderness skills, including tracking, hunting bighorn sheep, and crafting clothing from deer and elk hides. The journey culminates in a dramatic confrontation with a pack of wolves led by a giant beast named Pluto. During a fierce night struggle, the Wild Hunter is killed by Pluto, revealing his identity as Fay Mullen, Donald's uncle and the brother of Donald's biological father. Fay confesses that years prior, a quarrel with Donald's father led to a fatal avalanche. During a snowslide accident, Fay's brother (Donald's father) and Fay were separated; Fay survived while his brother and family were buried. Haunted by guilt and believing himself cursed with the 'brand of Cain,' Fay lived in isolation, breeding wolf dogs and wolves to serve as beasts of burden. Donald inherits his uncle's legacy, including a famous flint-lock rifle, and learns the tragic truth of his lineage. The story blends high-stakes adventure with emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, redemption, and the harsh realities of the wilderness. Set against the backdrop of the American frontier, the tale serves as both a thrilling mystery and a poignant exploration of family bonds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

data/epubs/pg22109.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction
• Mystery