Over the Border by Ambrose Bierce
"OVER THE BORDER" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1890. The story follows a man named John H. Money, who has made a fortune in the California gold rush but is now seeking a new adventure. He hires a guide to take him over the border into Mexico, where he hopes to find more wealth and excitement. However, their journey becomes treacherous when they encounter a group of bandits, and Money must use his wits and resourcefulness to survive. The story explores themes of greed, adventure, and the dangers of venturing into unfamiliar territory.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Political Fiction · 253 words
First lines
O, justice, you have fled, to dwell In Mexico, unstrangled, Lest you should hang as high as -- well, As Haman dangled.
(I know not if his cord he twanged, Or the King proved forgiving. 'Tis hard to think of Haman hanged, And Haymond living.)
Yes, as I said: in mortal fear To Mexico you journeyed; For you were on your trial here, And ill attorneyed.
The Law had long regarded you As an extreme offender.
What this Textopian page supports
Over the Border is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Political Fiction, Suspense
- Length: 253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Over the Border by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Over the Border?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- California by Ambrose Bierce
- A Descent Into Egypt by Algernon Blackwood
- The Companions Of Jehu by Alexandre Dumas
- The Strange Adventures Of A Private Secretary In New York by Algernon Blackwood
- Charles Ashmores Trail by Ambrose Bierce
- Equipped For Service by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Adventure — The book, set in the context of escaping slaves, is filled with daring escapes and pursuits, classifying it as an adventure genre.
- Historical Fiction — The story is situated during the time of American slavery and provides a fictional account of events and experiences during that era.
- Political Fiction — The subject of slavery and the civil war evoke political themes, making this a political fiction.
- Suspense — The plot involves numerous moments of suspense as the character encounters different dangers during his escape.
Tags
gothic · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · fantasy · adventure · travel · exploration · frontier · west · american