Ranson's Folly

Name: Ranson's Folly
Author: Richard Harding Davis

The narrative unfolds at Fort Crockett, where junior officers, including Lieutenant Ranson, engage in a makeshift dining experience at the post-trader's store, run by the enigmatic Cahill and his daughter, Mary. Ranson, recently returned from the Philippines, finds himself captivated by Mary, who has grown increasingly distant from him. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of military life. As a fire threatens the fort, Ranson's reckless bravery earns him both admiration and resentment from his peers. His desire for excitement leads him to contemplate resignation, feeling stifled by the monotony of garrison life. Amidst this, he expresses a longing for adventure, which culminates in a reckless decision to stage a hold-up, donning a disguise as the infamous "Red Rider." The plot thickens when a real robbery occurs, resulting in the paymaster being shot. Ranson becomes embroiled in suspicion, as evidence seems to point towards him being the perpetrator. The tension escalates as he faces court-martial, with his fate hanging in the balance. Mary, who has developed feelings for Ranson, becomes a pivotal figure, torn between her loyalty to her father and her affection for the lieutenant. Cahill, harboring his own secrets, is revealed to have a connection to the robberies, complicating the narrative further. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that misunderstandings and hidden truths threaten to unravel the lives of those at the fort. The climax arrives when Mary discovers crucial evidence that could exonerate Ranson, leading to a confrontation with her father. In a dramatic turn, Cahill's past as a criminal comes to light, and he grapples with the implications of his actions on his daughter's future. The story culminates in a resolution that sees Ranson cleared of wrongdoing, while Cahill must confront the consequences of his choices. Ultimately, love triumphs as Ranson and Mary find a path forward together, symbolizing hope and redemption amidst the chaos of their lives at Fort Crockett.

By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1902 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance · 3 chapters · 26,686 words

First lines

The junior officers of Fort Crockett had organized a mess at the post-trader's. "And a mess it certainly is," said Lieutenant Ranson. The dining-table stood between hogsheads of molasses and a blazing log-fire, the counter of the store was their buffet, a pool-table with a cloth, blotted like a map of the Great Lakes, their sideboard, and Indian Pete acted as butler. But none of these things counted against the great fact that each evening Mary Cahill, the daughter of the post-trader, presided over the evening meal, and turned it into a banquet. From her high chair behind the counter, with the cash-register on her one side and the weighing-scales on the other, she gave her little Senate laws, and smiled upon each and all with the kind impartiality of a comrade.

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Ranson's Folly is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1902 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Richard Harding Davis
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, War Fiction
Length: 26,686 words
Structure: 3 chapters, 489 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Adventure — The plot involves exploration and the challenges faced by characters in a foreign land.
Historical Fiction — The story is set against a backdrop of historical events and reflects the social and political climate of the time.
Romance — Themes of love and relationships are central to the character development and plot progression.
Drama — The narrative includes intense emotional conflicts and character-driven storytelling.