Bloom of Cactus

Name: Bloom of Cactus
Author: Robert Ames Bennet

Carmena and Elsie Farley live in a remote area of Arizona known as Dead Hole, where their father, a once-prominent lawyer, has succumbed to alcoholism and criminal activities involving a gang of Apaches led by Cochise and a white trader named Slade. The girls are caught in a web of danger, with Carmena fiercely protective of her younger sister, Elsie, who is innocent and naive. The story begins with Jack Lennon, a mining engineer, who is searching for a lost copper mine. He encounters Carmena, who initially appears to be in distress but is later revealed to have ulterior motives. After a series of events, including a near-fatal encounter with a Gila monster, Lennon finds himself embroiled in the dangerous dynamics of Dead Hole. As tensions rise, Slade's intentions toward Elsie become clear, and Carmena's desperation to protect her sister leads her to make risky decisions. She attempts to manipulate Cochise and Slade to ensure their safety, even as she grapples with her feelings for Lennon, who becomes a potential ally. The narrative unfolds with themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships in a lawless environment. As the characters navigate their perilous circumstances, they confront their own motivations and the consequences of their actions. The climax builds towards a confrontation between the gang and the protagonists, with the fate of the Farley sisters hanging in the balance. Ultimately, the story explores the struggle for power and control, the bonds of family, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones in a world fraught with danger and betrayal.

By Robert Ames Bennet · First published 1910 · Genre: Western, Adventure, Romance · 24 chapters · 59,600 words

First lines

As Lennon drove his heavily packed burro over the round of the ridge above the camp spring, all the desolate Arizona waste around him was transformed by the splendour of dawn. Up out of mysterious velvety blue-black valleys loomed the massive purple-walled fortresses and cities of the mountain giants, guarded by titanic skyward towering pyramids and turrets of exquisite rose pink.

The burro was not interested in scenery or light effects. He topped the ridge and plodded slowly down the steep trail on the far side. Lennon lingered to enjoy the glorious illusion of the view.

What this Textopian page supports

Bloom of Cactus is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Ames Bennet, dated 1910 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Robert Ames Bennet
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Western, Adventure, Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction
Length: 59,600 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 1,502 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Western — The book is set in the American West and explores themes typical of Western literature, including frontier life and rugged individualism.
Adventure — The plot involves exploration and the challenges faced by characters in a harsh environment, characteristic of adventure narratives.
Romance — Romantic relationships and emotional connections are central to the character development and plot progression.
Drama — The book delves into personal conflicts and emotional struggles, typical of dramatic literature.