A Texas Ranger

A Texas Ranger Summary

A Texas Ranger by William MacLeod Raine is a Western novel published in 1910. It follows Lieutenant Steve Fraser, a courageous member of the Texas Rangers, as he pursues justice across the rugged landscapes of the American frontier. The narrative delves into themes of law enforcement, morality, and the challenges of frontier life.

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A Texas Ranger Excerpt

Short Summary: Lieutenant Steve Fraser, a dedicated Texas Ranger, confronts outlaws and personal dilemmas in his quest to uphold justice on the lawless frontier.

Excerpt:

"The sun had declined almost to a saddle in the Cuesta del Burro when the sleeper reopened his eyes. Even before he had shaken himself free of sleep he was uneasily aware of something wrong. Hazily the sound of voices drifted to him across an immense space. Blurred figures crossed before his unfocused gaze. He sat up, and with a sudden clarity the scene grew plain to him. A young woman was struggling with a man, who sought to wrest from her a rifle. She clung to it desperately, and even in the act of rising Fraser saw the weapon discharged in the struggle. Instantly he whipped out his revolver and ran forward.

The man had wrenched the rifle from her hands and swung round at Fraser's approach. He was a tall, lean fellow, with a face burned to a crisp by the sun. His eyes narrowed as he met the Ranger's advance, and the rifle came to his shoulder. Fraser fired from the hip, and the man staggered back, dropped the rifle, and fell limply to the ground.

The Ranger stooped over him, then turned to the girl. 'He's not dead—only creased. But it was a close call for both of us.'

She nodded, her face still white from the struggle. 'He—he wanted to take the wagon. My brother is wounded, and I was trying to get him to a doctor.'

'Where is your brother?'

'In the wagon. He was shot by some men who are after him. They said he was a rustler, but it's a lie!'

Fraser glanced toward the wagon, where a young man lay pale and still. He turned back to the girl. 'We'll get him to a doctor. But we must hurry. Those men may be on our trail.'

Together they lifted the wounded man into the wagon. Fraser took the reins, and the horses sprang forward. The girl sat beside him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The Ranger's eyes swept the horizon, alert for any sign of pursuit.

They drove in silence for a time, the only sound the creak of the wagon and the steady beat of the horses' hooves. At last the girl spoke. 'Do you think they'll follow us?'

'It's likely. But we'll be ready for them.'

She looked at him, her eyes wide with fear. 'I'm afraid.'

He reached over and patted her hand. 'Don't be. I'll see you through.'

She managed a faint smile. 'Thank you.'

They drove on, the sun sinking lower in the sky. Behind them, a dust cloud indicated riders approaching. Fraser handed the girl a revolver. 'Can you use this?'

She nodded, taking the weapon. 'Yes.'

'Good. Keep low, and don't fire unless you have to.'

The riders drew nearer, and Fraser pulled the wagon off the road into a stand of mesquite. 'We'll make our stand here.'

They took up positions behind the wagon, the wounded man lying between them. The riders approached cautiously, spreading out to flank them. Fraser fired a warning shot over their heads. 'That's close enough!'

One of the riders called out, 'We want the rustler! Hand him over, and we'll let you go.'

'He's not a rustler, and you're not taking him,' Fraser replied.

The riders conferred among themselves, then spurred their horses forward. Fraser and the girl opened fire, the crack of their guns echoing in the still evening air. One of the riders fell, and the others pulled back, uncertain.

Fraser called out, 'Next man who moves forward dies.'

There was a tense silence, then the riders turned and galloped away. Fraser watched them go, then turned to the girl.'

‘They’ll be back with more men,’ she whispered.

Fraser nodded grimly. ‘Then we’d best be gone before they return.’

Quickly, they loaded the wounded man back onto the wagon. Fraser took the reins, urging the horses forward into the growing dusk. Behind them, the dust from the retreating riders settled back onto the plains, and the night swallowed them into its uncertain embrace.