The Killer

"The Killer" by Stewart Edward White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the Arizona territory during the late 19th century, where the protagonist embarks on a challenging adventure that pits him against the mysterious and dangerous old rancher, Old Man Hooper. The book delves into themes of survival, the lawlessness of the frontier, and the tension between known threats and hidden dangers. The opening of the novel introduces us to the narrator, a young cowboy who naively accepts a dare to spend a night at Hooper's ranch, reputed to be the territory of a dangerous old man with a malicious reputation. He sets off with little knowledge about either the ranch or its owner, only to encounter warnings from his fellow cowboys who seem to fear Hooper's dark operations, including how he turns straying cattle into victims of starvation. Upon arriving at the ranch, he is struck by its eerie stillness—void of life and surrounded by an oppressive atmosphere that hints at sinister undercurrents. The introduction captivates the reader by showcasing the protagonist's youthful bravado as he navigates an unknown and potentially deadly situation, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict with Old Man Hooper and the mystery surrounding his ranch.

The Killer, by Stewart Edward White. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #16589.