Five Men's Lives for One Horse

Name: Five Men's Lives for One Horse
Author: Rolf Boldrewood

The narrative unfolds in a rural Australian setting, where a group of men, including old Bill, the cook, gather around a fire during a rainy period that halts their work. The conversation shifts to the value of a half-bred mare, leading to a discussion about the consequences of theft and the tragic fate of five men linked to a single horse. Old Bill recounts a cautionary tale from his past involving a young man named Jack Danvers, who, influenced by alcohol and poor judgment, steals a mare worth little. Despite Bill's warnings, Jack and his mate take the horse, leading to a series of disastrous events. The mare is eventually recognized, and Jack is arrested while attempting to escape from prison. In a desperate bid for freedom, he kills a warder and later an innkeeper during a robbery, resulting in multiple deaths, including his own and that of his accomplice. The story illustrates the ripple effect of one foolish decision, culminating in the loss of five lives, including Jack's and those of innocent bystanders. Bill emphasizes the futility of crime and the harsh realities that follow, serving as a grim reminder of the consequences of reckless actions. The tale concludes with a reflection on the lessons learned, urging the younger men to heed his advice against engaging in criminal behavior.

By Rolf Boldrewood · First published 1892 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 2,447 words

First lines

'Yes; it does seem a goodish price to pay for a half-bred mare-worth ten pound at the outside,' said old Bill, the cook for the rouseabouts at Jergoolah Station, one wet evening, as the men gathered round the fire after supper, with their pipes in their mouths. It had been wet for three days, so there was no shearing. Very little work for the other men either-half a hundred strong-as the wet-fleeced sheep were best left alone. The shearers were sulky of course. They were eating (and paying for) their own rations. But the ordinary 'pound-a-week men,' whose board, with lodging, was provided for them gratis, were philosophically indifferent to the state of the weather.

What this Textopian page supports

Five Men's Lives for One Horse is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rolf Boldrewood, dated 1892 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Rolf Boldrewood
Date: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Western
Length: 2,447 words
Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Five Men's Lives for One Horse by Rolf Boldrewood
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 Five Men's Lives for One Horse?
How does this short story by Rolf Boldrewood fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of morality, consequence, and human folly through character-driven narratives.
Historical Fiction — Set in pre-auriferous Australia, it reflects the historical context and social dynamics of the time.
Adventure — The plot involves elements of risk, crime, and the pursuit of freedom, typical of adventure narratives.
Drama — The story delves into intense emotional experiences and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.