Bad and Mad by W.C. Tuttle (1963)
The story revolves around two identical twin brothers, Ben and Harry, who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Ben is a sheriff, while Harry is a notorious outlaw. Their paths cross when Ben catches Harry at a water hole, suspecting him of robbing a bank in Oro City. Despite their familial bond, Ben is determined to bring Harry to justice, but Harry has other plans. Harry, using his cunning and quick reflexes, manages to turn the tables on Ben, taking him hostage. He proposes a trade: Harry will impersonate Ben as the sheriff, while Ben remains tied up in the desert. Harry's plan is to use this opportunity to rob the bank in Oro City and escape with the loot. The brothers engage in a brutal fight, during which Harry accidentally kills Ben. Assuming Ben's identity, Harry rides into Oro City, intending to carry out his plan. However, upon arrival, he is immediately captured by the local deputies, who mistake him for Ben. They reveal that Ben had been declared insane after claiming to be the sheriff and had escaped custody after killing a deputy. The deputies lock Harry up, believing him to be the deranged Ben. The story concludes with Harry realizing the irony of his situation. Despite his criminal past and clever schemes, he is now trapped in a case of mistaken identity, facing the consequences of his brother's actions. The narrative explores themes of identity, fate, and the inescapable ties of family.
By W.C. Tuttle · First published 1963 · Genre: Western, Crime, Action · 3,527 words
First lines
"You better put yore hands up, pardner."
The man on his knees at the water hole turned his head slowly and looked at the other man, who was covering him with a rifle. This second man had popped up like a Jack-in-a-box from behind a sandstone boulder. Near the water hole stood a dejected-looking bay horse, head hanging, one hind leg cocked listlessly.
The man at the water hole got slowly to his feet, keeping his hands above his waist. He squinted closely at the other man, his eyes puzzled. Then, with momentarily sagging jaw, he uttered an expression of astonishment.
"Ben! " he exclaimed. "Well, what won't yuh see when yuh ain't got no gun!"
What this Textopian page supports
Bad and Mad is listed on Textopian as a short story by W.C. Tuttle, dated 1963 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: W.C. Tuttle
- Date: 1963 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Western, Crime, Action, Adventure, Thriller
- Length: 3,527 words
- Structure: 1 section, 108 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bad and Mad by W.C. Tuttle
- 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
Genres
- Western — The story is set in the Wild West and employs period-specific dialogue, landscapes, and role dynamics typical of the western genre.
- Crime — Central elements include bank robbery, impersonation of law enforcement, and criminal scheming, which are core to the crime genre.
- Action — Frequent physical confrontations, brawls, and intense sequences drive the narrative, marking it as action-packed.
- Adventure — The journey through harsh terrains and risky exploits adds an element of adventurous pursuit in an unpredictable setting.
Tags
horror · thriller · crime · suspense · pulp · mystery · noir · dark · vintage · adventure · violence · psychological