Bones. the April Fool of Harvey's Sluice

Name: Bones. the April Fool of Harvey's Sluice
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In a rough mining settlement known as Harvey's Sluice, Abe Durton, nicknamed "Bones," lives a simple life with his partner, Jack Morgan, referred to as "Boss." Abe is a good-natured, trusting man, while Boss is more refined and educated. Their lives take a turn when they encounter a runaway buggy during a storm, leading to a dramatic rescue of Boss, who is injured in the process. This incident introduces Carrie Sinclair, the daughter of the local assayer, who expresses gratitude towards the miners, particularly towards Abe, who becomes infatuated with her. As Carrie settles into the community, her presence begins to refine the rough manners of the miners. Abe, inspired by her, attempts to improve his appearance and behavior, while also developing a deep admiration for her. However, he faces competition from Black Tom Ferguson, a charming but unscrupulous man who also seeks Carrie's affection. The tension between Abe and Ferguson grows, especially as Ferguson's dubious reputation raises concerns among the miners. On April Fool's Day, Jim Struggles, a local humorist, devises a prank to send Abe on a wild goose chase, believing it will be a source of amusement. He writes a fake letter purportedly from Carrie, inviting Abe to meet her in the garden at midnight. Unaware of the ruse, Abe sets out, filled with hope and excitement. Meanwhile, a group of bushrangers, led by Ferguson, plans to raid the settlement. As Abe approaches the villa, he realizes the danger and prepares to defend Carrie. Boss Morgan, having overheard the bushrangers' plans, arrives just in time to assist Abe. Together, they confront the rangers, leading to a violent clash. Abe is gravely injured while bravely defending the villa. Despite the severity of his wound, Abe survives, aided by Carrie, who nurses him back to health. Their bond deepens, and the community rallies around them, celebrating their resilience. Eventually, Abe recovers and realizes his dreams of a better life, leading to a proposal to Carrie. The story concludes with their marriage, symbolizing hope and new beginnings in the rough mining town, while the prank serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life in Harvey's Sluice.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1893 · Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Crime · 15,513 words

First lines

Abe Durton's cabin was not beautiful. People have been heard to assert that it was ugly, and, even after the fashion of Harvey's Sluice, have gone the length of prefixing their adjective with a forcible expletive which emphasized their criticism. Abe, however, was a stolid and easy-going man, on whose mind the remarks of an unappreciative public made but little impression. He had built the house himself, and it suited his partner and him, and what more did they want? Indeed he was rather touchy upon the subject. "Though I says it, as raised it," he remarked, "it'll lay over any shanty in the valley. Holes? Well, of course there are holes. You wouldn't get fresh air without holes. There's nothing stuffy about _my_ house. Rain? Well, if it does let the rain in, ain't it an advantage to know it's rainin' without gettin' up to unbar the door. I wouldn't own a house that didn't leak some. As to its bein' off the perpendic'lar, I like a house with a bit of a tilt. Anyways it pleases my pard, Boss Morgan, and what's good enough for him is good enough for you, I suppose. " At which approach to personalities his antagonist usually sheered off, and left the honors of the field to the indignant architect.

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Bones. the April Fool of Harvey's Sluice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Adventure, Crime, Historical Fiction, Thriller
Length: 15,513 words
Structure: 1 section, 199 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a mysterious event, typical of Conan Doyle's work.
Adventure — The narrative likely includes elements of exploration and excitement.
Crime — The story may involve criminal activities or investigations.
Historical Fiction — The setting may reflect a specific historical context relevant to the plot.