The Bitterroot Trail

Men with dreams of gold flocked to the strikes in Idaho Territory in the early 1860s. Some were lucky, but only a few people managed to hang onto their fortunes. The Plummer Gang jumped claims, robbed miners, and murdered anyone who got in their way. Until Pokerface Bob Bainbridge showed up, seeking the man who'd ruined his sister--and out for personal revenge.

From the saloons of Oro Fino to the tent cites of the Boise Basin, Bob follows the iniquitous gang, determined to bring law and order to the Territory and to save the woman he has grown to love from a fate far worse than death -- at the hands of Plummer himself. Only incredible courage and steely determination will win the day.

The Bitterroot Trail was originally published in 1935, both in the United States and in England. It is a classic Western novel, but it is also an exciting romance and one heck of a remarkable historical novel.

A half hour later the two partners stopped in front of Shorty's cabin where forty stalwart sober Vigilantes had gathered. These hardy quiet men who had answered Shorty's call meant business. Each was heavily armed. Bob greeted them soberly. He knew only too well that they were risking their lives if they failed in their mission.

The silver night was well spent and the day was fast creeping over the sky when Pat Davis came galloping into the yard.

"What news?" Bob asked anxiously.

"They must be seventy-five or more deputies hangin' around the hotel an' the Bannock Saloon, an' all's heavy armed. They's lookin' fer us tuh attack."

"Did you see Plummer or Three Finger Smith?"

"I seen Plummer once, but I don't think Three Finger's there. Leastways I didn't spy him."

Bob became very quiet as he weighed the doubtful situation. At length he turned his horse to face the men. His face looked grey in the morning light, but the lines of his rugged face were hard, and his voice gave no evidence of the emotions within.

"Well, boys, it looks like we're driving up a blind alley," he began. "We're in the dark and we're outnumbered two to one or better. The only thing we know is that they have Dixie, but we haven't any idea where she is. Men, they have committed a heinous crime against the decency and honor of our inland empire. We must remember that we are but a handful to go up against these desperate criminals. They're on the defensive now and have the added advantage of representing the only law in these parts. If we ride into town in a body and strike, some or all of us will be wiped out and many innocent people may be killed.

"Love and duty calls me to rescue Dixie Lee or die in the attempt. I'll be perfectly honest with you. I'm not certain, in any degree, of our success. I can't ask you to go further into this thing. If any or all of you want to turn back, now is the time."

"Go on! Go on!" came the shouts from the loyal Vigilantes.

"Then let's go!" he called, leading them down the trail toward Bannock City.

As they came nearer and nearer the stronghold of the enemy the more serious he became, the more formidable their objective appeared. In Bob's fancy, he could imagine every conceivable torture to Dixie, his Dixie. He could see the snow, blood red, from dying men who were so loyal to him.