The American's Tale

Name: The American's Tale
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A gathering of a semi-literary society is interrupted by a storyteller named Jefferson Adams, who claims to have experienced extraordinary events in Arizona. He emphasizes that true stories come from rough men rather than educated individuals. Adams recounts his time as a filibuster in Arizona, where he encountered bizarre flora and fauna, including oversized carnivorous plants. He shifts to the tale of Joe Hawkins, a notorious figure in Montana known for his violent temper. Hawkins, referred to as "Alabama Joe," is described as a dangerous man who often resorted to violence. The narrative introduces Tom Scott, an Englishman who is quiet and reserved, often the target of ridicule from the local American men. Tensions rise when Hawkins confronts Scott in a bar, leading to a standoff where Scott, armed with a derringer, threatens Hawkins but ultimately spares his life, warning him to change his ways. Later that night, it is rumored that Hawkins plans to ambush Scott in the Flytrap Gulch, a dark and eerie place known for its dangerous vegetation. Adams, concerned for Scott's safety, warns him to be cautious. The next morning, the community is in turmoil as Hawkins has mysteriously disappeared, and Scott is accused of his murder. A mob forms, intent on lynching Scott, believing he is responsible for Hawkins' fate. As the mob prepares to execute Scott, they encounter a group of armed Britishers who defend him, leading to a standoff. In the midst of the tension, Scott points out a shocking sight: Hawkins' body trapped in a giant flytrap plant, having been killed by the very creature he sought to use for revenge. The discovery shifts the mob's focus, and Scott is exonerated. The story concludes with Scott being celebrated by the community, who recognize his bravery and integrity. Adams reflects on the bizarre nature of the events, leaving the audience to ponder the truth of his tale and the power of nature. The narrative explores themes of violence, cultural conflict, and the unpredictability of fate, all framed within a vivid depiction of the American frontier.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1892 · Genre: Western, Adventure, Literary Fiction · 4,663 words

First lines

"It air strange, it air," he was saying as I opened the door of the room where our social little semi-literary society met; "but I could tell you queerer things than that 'ere -- almighty queer things. You can't learn everything out of books, sirs, nohow. You see, it ain't the men as can string English together and as has had good eddications, as finds themselves in the queer places I've been in. They're mostly rough men, sirs, as can scarce speak aright, far less tell with pen and ink the things they've seen; but if they could they'd make some of your Europeans' har riz with astonishment. They would, sirs, you bet!"

What this Textopian page supports

The American's Tale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 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: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Western, Adventure, Literary Fiction, Short Story, Mystery
Length: 4,663 words
Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Western — The story is set in the American West, featuring themes of frontier life, conflict, and the rugged individualism typical of Western literature.
Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and encounters with danger, characteristic of adventure tales, particularly in the context of the American frontier.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and character-driven, focusing on the complexities of human behavior and societal norms.
Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story arc within a limited word count.