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The book tells the story of Mary Carmichael, a young woman from the East, who travels to a small town in the West and becomes embroiled in the lives of its rough and rugged inhabitants. As she navigates this new and unfamiliar environment, she meets a cast of characters, including Judith Rodney, a strong and independent postmistress, and Peter Hamilton, a charming and flirtatious cow-puncher. The story explores themes of identity, family, and community, as the characters face challenges and struggles in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the American West. Along the way, Mary becomes a governess to the Yellett family, a nomadic and unconventional group, and learns to adapt to their unique way of life. Meanwhile, Judith's past and present collide as she deals with her brother's outlaw activities, her own feelings for Peter, and the dangers and tragedies that unfold in the community. Ultimately, the book builds towards a devastating conclusion, as the characters face the consequences of their actions and the harsh realities of life in the West. Despite the tragedy, the story also offers a message of hope and resilience, as the characters find ways to cope and move forward in the face of adversity. Through its vivid characters, sweeping landscapes, and gripping plot, the book provides a compelling and thought-provoking portrait of life in the American West during the late 19th century.
The story follows Mary Carmichael, a young woman from the East, as she arrives in a small town in the West after a long and arduous train journey. She is met with a mixture of curiosity and hostility by the town's rough and rugged inhabitants, who are largely men. Mary's presence sparks a change in the town's atmosphere, and the men begin to behave in a more civilized manner. However, one man, Simpson, attempts to flirt with Mary, but his advances are rebuffed. The other men in the town, who have been watching the scene unfold, intervene and remove Simpson from Mary's presence, demonstrating a sense of chivalry and protectiveness towards her. As Mary navigates this new and unfamiliar environment, she begins to feel a sense of wonder and curiosity about the town and its people, despite the initial culture shock.
The scene shifts back to Simpson, who is being teased and mocked by the men at the eating-house, particularly Costigan, a cattle-man. They bring up an old incident where Simpson was involved in a scandal with a lady, which led to a breach of promise lawsuit. Just as the tension is escalating, a man named Jim Rodney appears in the doorway, his presence commanding attention and inspiring fear. Rodney's eyes are fixed on Simpson, and it becomes clear that he has a score to settle with him. The men at the table part to let Rodney through, and Simpson, realizing his danger, tries to escape but is frozen in fear. Rodney advances on Simpson, his revolver at the ready, but ultimately decides not to shoot him, possibly due to the presence of women. The scene ends with Simpson cowering in the corner, humiliated and afraid. Meanwhile, Mary Carmichael is at the station, inquiring about the stage to Lost Trail, and meets a man named Lone Tooth Hank, who regales her with tales of the West. She also observes a group of settlers preparing to depart, and is relieved to find that her luggage is being loaded onto the stage. As she prepares to leave, the cow-punchers and Lone Tooth Hank bid her farewell, and the stage sets off into the unknown.
As Mary Carmichael travels by stage through the wilderness, she is accompanied by a fat lady who brings her own food and bedding. They stop at a road ranch, where they meet the proprietor, Mrs. Dax, and her husband, Leander. Leander is a submissive and apologetic man who is dominated by his wife. When Mrs. Dax leaves the room, Leander opens up to Mary and the fat lady, sharing stories about his family troubles, particularly the tension between his wife and his brother's wife. He explains that his brother, Johnnie, married a woman from back East who was introduced to him through a matrimonial paper, and that the two women do not get along. Leander's wife returns and interrupts the conversation, revealing her controlling and critical nature. The scene ends with Leander hastily clearing the table and trying to avoid his wife's wrath. Meanwhile, Mary and the fat lady prepare to continue their journey with a new stage driver, Lemuel Chugg, whose sobriety is a concern.
The stage driven by Lemuel Chugg arrives late at the Dax's road ranch, where Mary Carmichael and the fat lady are waiting. Mrs. Dax has taken charge of the post office, with Leander as her aide. Judith Rodney, the postmistress, arrives on horseback, dressed in men's riding clothes, and Mary is surprised to discover that the handsome "cavalier" is actually a young woman. Judith is confident and self-assured, and the men in the area are clearly smitten with her. As the post office opens, a group of men gather, including cow-punchers, sheep-herders, and prospectors, and Judith manages them with ease, dispensing mail and banter. However, beneath her calm exterior, Judith is hiding a secret: her brother, Jim, is an outlaw, and she is worried about his safety. Major Atkins, a cattle-man, warns Judith that Jim is in danger and that she should get him out of the state quickly. As the post office closes, Judith is left to ponder her next move, and the atmosphere becomes tense with an ominous sense of foreboding, heightened by the intense heat and the sound of millions of grasshoppers rasping their legs and wings together.
The stage is late, and the travellers are waiting anxiously at Dax's road ranch. Mrs. Dax is her usual severe self, while Leander tries to curry favor with the group. The fat lady and Mary Carmichael discuss the story of Lemuel Chugg, the stage-driver, who was jilted by a woman named Mountain Pink. Chugg's misadventures have caused the stage to be delayed, and the group is stranded. Meanwhile, Judith Rodney, the postmistress, is pacing outside, clearly anxious about something. When Peter Hamilton, a young cowboy, arrives driving the stage, Judith's anxiety becomes more apparent. Hamilton is charming and flirtatious, but Judith is wary of his intentions, especially when he receives a letter from a lady at the Wetmore ranch and immediately sets off in that direction. As Judith watches him ride away, she becomes convinced that he is going to see the lady, and her fears for her brother's safety grow. She withdraws from the group and watches from a distance, her Indian heritage taking over as she tracks Hamilton's movement, her heart filled with a mix of fear and determination.
The story delves into Judith's past, revealing her complex and troubled family history. Her mother, Singing Stream, was a half-breed Sioux who lived with Warren Rodney, Judith's father, in a cabin on Elder Creek. When Sally Tumlin arrived, Rodney abandoned Singing Stream and married Sally, leaving Singing Stream heartbroken and humiliated. Judith was taken in by Rodney and Sally, but her stepmother's treatment of her was cold and unforgiving. As Judith grew up, she was sent to a convent school by Mrs. Atkins, a kind and guilt-ridden witness to Sally and Rodney's marriage. Judith's education and upbringing were marked by a sense of duty to her family, particularly her brother Jim, who had a troubled past. The narrative explores the themes of identity, family, and the struggles of growing up in a harsh and unforgiving environment, shaping Judith into the strong and independent woman she becomes.
Mary Carmichael and the fat lady continue their journey with the stage driver, Lemuel Chugg, who is still recovering from his previous ordeal and is in a foul mood. As they travel through the desolate landscape, Chugg's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and alarming, causing the two women to fear for their safety. They eventually arrive at the road ranch of Johnnie Dax, Leander's brother, where they are greeted by a scene of chaos and disarray. Johnnie's wife has left him to attend a dance, and he is struggling to care for their baby and manage the household. The fat lady is appalled by the state of the house and the presence of hogs with fashionable names, and she offers Johnnie some stern advice on how to improve his domestic situation. Meanwhile, Mary is preoccupied with her own concerns, including her destination of Lost Trail, which Johnnie warns her is a dangerous and inhospitable place. As the evening draws to a close, Mary begins to feel a sense of trepidation and uncertainty about her journey and her decision to travel to Lost Trail.
Mary Carmichael arrives at the Rodney home, a peculiar and ramshackle house, where she meets Mrs. Rodney, a stern and critical woman, and her family. The family is gathered for supper, and Mary is introduced to Eudora, Mrs. Rodney's daughter, who is being courted by four suitors. The evening is filled with tension and rivalry among the suitors, as well as Mrs. Rodney's constant complaints and reminiscences about her past. The conversation turns to Jim, Mrs. Rodney's step-son, who has been released from jail and is rumored to be in danger. Mrs. Rodney is distressed by the news and fears for Jim's safety, while Eudora is more concerned with her own suitors and the prospect of marriage. As the evening draws to a close, Mary waits for Mrs. Yellett to arrive and take her to her destination, Lost Trail. The chapter ends with the sound of wheels approaching, signaling the arrival of Mrs. Yellett and marking a new development in Mary's journey.
Mary Carmichael's journey continues as she meets Mrs. Yellett, the woman who has hired her as a governess for her children. Mrs. Yellett is a robust and confident woman with a unique sense of style and a strong personality. As they depart from the Rodney house, Mary is struck by the vast and beautiful landscape of the American West. However, she soon discovers that her expectations of a comfortable home and a traditional teaching environment are far from reality. Mrs. Yellett's family is a nomadic one, living in a camp with no permanent house, and Mary is introduced to her new pupils, a group of towering and rugged young people. As the night falls, Mary is forced to confront the harsh realities of her new life and the vast differences between her idealized notions of the West and the actual conditions she faces. Despite the initial culture shock, Mary finds a sense of gratitude and relief in the presence of Mrs. Yellett, who embodies a sustaining quality and a deep connection to the land and its people.
Judith Rodney sets out on a perilous journey to find her brother Jim, who has turned to a life of crime, and is hiding in a remote mountain area. As she rides her horse Dolly through the desolate desert landscape, she is haunted by thoughts of Peter Hamilton, a man she has feelings for, but who is still infatuated with the wealthy and beautiful Kitty Colebrooke. Judith's thoughts are filled with a mix of emotions, including joy, pain, and anxiety, as she navigates the treacherous terrain and contemplates the dangers that lie ahead. As night begins to fall, Judith becomes increasingly fearful, sensing that she is being followed, and her nerves are stretched to the breaking point. Just as she is trying to calm herself, she hears the sound of horse's hoofs behind her, and prepares to face whatever danger is approaching, only to be surprised by the voice of Peter Hamilton, who emerges from the darkness.
Judith and Peter ride together through the desert night, their conversation filled with a mix of emotions, including love, hate, and suspicion. As they approach the cabin where Judith's brother Jim is hiding, Peter reveals that he is on his way to a round-up, and Judith begins to feel a sense of penitence and shame for not trusting him. They arrive at the cabin, where they meet Jim's wife Alida and their children, and Peter is struck by the desolation and poverty of the place. Despite the tension and uncertainty, Judith and Peter share a moment of trust and intimacy, and Peter is deeply affected by the presence of Jim's son, who instinctively trusts him. As the night wears on, Peter prepares to leave, but not before he is haunted by visions of Kitty and Judith, symbolizing the conflicting desires and loyalties that are tearing him apart.
The chapter revolves around Peter Hamilton, a cow-puncher, as he participates in a cattle round-up. The story begins with Peter's early morning ride to the round-up, where he meets other cow-punchers and begins the day's work of sorting and branding cattle. As the day progresses, Peter becomes aware of the presence of cattle thieves, marked by the "H L" brand, and the tension builds among the men. After a long day's work, the men gather around the campfire, swapping stories and jokes. One of the men starts singing a dirge-like song, which sparks a conversation about lynchings and the treatment of cattle thieves. Peter attempts to change the subject, sharing a humorous story about a group of British cow-punchers who got drunk and mistook a massive amount of boiled rice for snow. The story serves as a distraction, but the underlying tension and discussion about cattle thieves and lynchings remains a palpable presence in the background.
Mary Carmichael's first day as a governess to the Yellett family is marked by a series of cultural shocks and challenges. She wakes up to the sound of sheep and begins her day by taking a cold bath in a nearby creek. At breakfast, she is introduced to the family's unique table manners and learns that they do not use utensils or plates. Mrs. Yellett, the matriarch, tells her a story about an English peer who visited a ranch and was given a bath in a corned-beef barrel. Mary then prepares for her first day of teaching, using an inverted wash-tub as a desk and arranging the children in a makeshift classroom. However, she quickly realizes that the children are completely uneducated and have never learned to read or write. Despite her best efforts, the class is unresponsive and hostile, and Mary begins to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by their size, strength, and armament. As the lesson progresses, the children become increasingly restless and disobedient, and Mary is forced to confront the reality of her situation and the challenges that lie ahead.
Mary Carmichael is struggling to teach the Yellett children, and her efforts are met with resistance and chaos. Judith Rodney arrives at the camp and brings a sense of calm and order, and Mary is grateful for her presence. The two women discuss Mary's challenges with the children, and Judith offers words of encouragement and advice. Meanwhile, Mrs. Yellett, the matriarch of the family, dominates the conversation with her own brand of folksy wisdom and quotes from the fictional "Book of Hiram". As the day progresses, Mary and Judith take a walk and discuss the letter that brought Mary to the West, which was written by a lady trying to secure a vote for her husband's Senate campaign. Judith offers Mary some practical advice on how to connect with her pupils, suggesting that she try using strategy and even bribes to win them over. As they talk, Mary is drawn to Judith's strength and resilience, and the two women form a bond as they gaze out at the majestic mountains.
Judith sets out on a solo journey to observe Peter Hamilton and his companion, Kitty Colebrooke, during a wolf-hunt. She travels through the desert and into the pine country, using her knowledge of the land and her Indian heritage to move stealthily and unseen. As she waits to catch a glimpse of the pair, she reflects on her feelings for Peter and her curiosity about Kitty. However, her plans are disrupted when Kitty appears, disheveled and distressed, after being thrown from her horse. Judith is forced to reveal herself and attempts to persuade Kitty to help her search for Peter, but Kitty is hesitant and eventually refuses. Judith sets out to search for Peter on her own and soon discovers signs of a struggle and possible injury. She follows the trail and eventually hears Peter's voice, reassuring his horse after a encounter with a bear. However, Peter passes by without seeing her, and Judith is left to ponder the depth of his feelings for Kitty and the nature of their relationship.
The story takes a dark turn as a cattle herd, driven by thirst and fear, stampedes across the desert landscape. The cow-punchers, who have been struggling to find water for the herd, are caught off guard and forced to flee for their lives. Simpson, one of the cow-punchers, is thrown from his horse and trampled to death by the stampeding cattle. The scene is described in vivid and terrifying detail, with the sound of the cattle's hoofs pounding the earth like a thousand propellers and the smell of their sweat and dust filling the air. The stampede is sparked by a coyote's yelp, which is later revealed to be a trick used by Jim Rodney to provoke the cattle into a panic. The chapter ends with the devastating consequences of the stampede, leaving the reader to ponder the harsh realities of life in the American West.
Mrs. Yellett takes Mary Carmichael and Leander on a journey to the dipping-vat, where they plan to dip the Yellett's sheep. Along the way, Leander loses his false teeth, causing a delay in their trip. After retrieving the teeth, they continue on, but soon encounter a cloud-burst, a sudden and intense rainstorm. Mrs. Yellett skillfully navigates the wagon through the storm, but not before they all get soaked to the bone. As the storm subsides, Mrs. Yellett teases Leander about his lack of faith, quoting from her own version of the scriptures. Despite the cold and wet conditions, Mrs. Yellett remains energetic and cheerful, while Leander is miserable and Mary is chilled to the bone. Eventually, they arrive at a campsite, where Mrs. Yellett quickly builds a fire and makes them comfortable. As Mary warms up with a cup of coffee, she reflects on her experiences in the West and her growing affection for Mrs. Yellett and the people she has met. She decides to stay and help the Yelletts with their educational problems, inspired by the strength and heroism of women like Judith Rodney.
Alida Rodney wakes up from a disturbing dream, convinced that a group of men are coming to harm her husband, Jim. Despite her efforts to shake off the feeling, she becomes increasingly anxious and convinced that the dream is a premonition. As the day progresses, Alida's fear grows, and she prepares for the worst, barricading the house and readying herself to defend her family. Meanwhile, Jim seems resigned to his fate, and the two share a poignant and emotional moment together. As night falls, the sound of horse hooves approaches, and Alida's worst fears are confirmed. A group of lynchers arrives, demanding that Jim come out, and Alida tries to protect him and their children from the impending violence. In a desperate bid to save her family, Alida attempts to reason with the lynchers, but it becomes clear that they will not be swayed. As the situation reaches a boiling point, Jim prepares to face his fate, and Alida is forced to confront the harsh reality of their situation.
The story takes a devastating turn as Alida discovers her husband Jim's lifeless body hanging from a tree, a victim of lynching. Consumed by grief and despair, Alida is unable to cope with the reality of the situation. Judith, who had been searching for her brother, arrives on the scene and helps Alida to cut down the body and prepare it for burial. As they work, Judith begins to think about the need to protect the family's pride and reputation, and plans to pretend that Jim had escaped the lynchers. She knows that she must continue with her daily routine, including holding post office and attending a dance, in order to avoid arousing suspicion. Meanwhile, Alida is catatonic with grief, unable to comprehend the fact that her husband is dead and that the world is continuing to turn despite her loss. As the sun rises, Judith and Alida begin to dig a grave for Jim, their actions driven by a sense of necessity and duty. The chapter ends with a sense of stark reality and tragedy, as the two women come to terms with the brutal consequences of the lynching.
The chapter revolves around a dance at the Benton ranch, a significant social event in the midsummer season. The dance brings together various characters from the story, including Judith Rodney, Peter Hamilton, Kitty Colebrooke, and Texas Tyler. As the night progresses, tensions and emotions rise, particularly surrounding Peter's affections and his eventual declaration of love for Judith. Meanwhile, Judith is hiding a devastating secret: her brother Jim's lynching, which she must keep hidden to protect his family's reputation. Despite her grief, Judith dances with Henderson, the leader of the lynchers, to maintain the illusion that her brother escaped. Peter, finally realizing his true feelings for Judith, asks her to be his partner in every sense, and she accepts. The chapter ends with the announcement of their engagement, surrounded by their friends and acquaintances, marking a new beginning for the couple amidst the turmoil and tragedy that has unfolded.