HORSE OPERA

a collection of western short stories by

L. L. Rigsbee

All Rights Reserved.  Copyright 1996

This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without permission from the author.

Out of the west and into our hearts.  These fictional westerns depict, if not how it was, at least how it could have been.  At one time, westerns were called "Horse Operas."  It's hard to imagine a western without a horse.  "The Useless Horse" is a modern western that reflects that thought.

Apache Pass - When his stagecoach is stopped by robbers and attacked by Indians, Long knows the occupants must depend on his ingenuity. He's been riding shotgun for this stage line a long time and he's never lost a stagecoach yet.

The Heavy Gun  - A lone figure walks away from a burned out wagon. Who is this person?

Perilous Trail  - Spencer is a rancher who is too proud to accept help. A lone horseman in the mountains has to accept the fact that he will occasionally lock horns with danger.

Revenge at Sweetwater -  As a boy, Larkin witnessed the hanging of an innocent man. He has returned to Sweetwater as a man who is in a position to settle an old score.

 

The Shaman - Mahto has been a scout for the army long enough to know that when an Indian gets sick, he's out of a job. Now his future lies in the hands of a Shaman.

Duel at the Corral - Davis learns a little something about himself when he meets the bronc he can't bust.

The Nester - Reed McEuen hates nesters, so why should he be the one to guide a greenhorn lady and her father out of Commanche Country.

Apache Butte - A condensed version of "Standoff at Apache Butte."   With a posse at his heals and an Apache hunting party over the hill, Evans makes a choice to help out some greenhorns. Only the greenhorns might not be so green.

The Useless Horse - The boss' son figured ranching with horses was old fashioned, but Cord Decker knew better. He figured sooner or later the kid would see it his way. The sooner, the better.

The New Stock - Courage and ingenuity helped build the west, but patience paved the way. Patience is something Clara must exercise to survive an attack by renegade Indians. Written from a woman's point of view.

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