The story revolves around a series of mysterious events in the town of Silver Bar and its surroundings. Goober Glendon and Johnny Wells, two cowboys, find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue involving murder, kidnapping, and cattle rustling. The narrative begins with Goober and Johnny arriving in Silver Bar, where they witness a poker game and a subsequent shooting incident involving Hal Austin, the son of a wealthy cattleman, Frank Austin. Hal is accused of killing Jigger Slade, a detective hired by Frank Austin to investigate cattle thefts. The local sheriff, Nolan, covers up the incident, blaming it on a cowboy from Flask River. As the story unfolds, Frank Austin's wife and daughter, Mrs. Austin and Betty, are kidnapped while traveling to meet Juana Diaz, Hal's love interest. The kidnapping is orchestrated by Cal Sands, Frank Austin's foreman, who has ulterior motives and a personal vendetta against Hal. Goober and Johnny, along with the local authorities, investigate the series of crimes, uncovering a network of rustlers and corrupt officials. They discover that the 7 Bar 7 ranch, owned by Bart Walker (alias Terrill), is involved in the cattle thefts. The narrative reveals a hidden corral in a blind canyon where stolen horses are kept. The plot thickens with the involvement of Porfiro Mendez, a Mexican outlaw and Juana's uncle, who attempts to blackmail Frank Austin by threatening to reveal Juana's true parentage. Mendez's plans are thwarted when Frank Austin refuses to pay the ransom, leading to a confrontation between the two. As tensions rise, Goober and Johnny continue their investigation, piecing together the connections between the various characters and events. The story culminates in a showdown, where the truth about the murders, kidnappings, and rustling operations is revealed, leading to justice being served. Throughout the narrative, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice are explored, with Goober and Johnny serving as the moral compass in a lawless land. The story captures the essence of the Wild West, with its rugged landscapes, complex characters, and the constant struggle between right and wrong.
By W. C. Tuttle · First published 1947 · Genre: Mystery, Juvenile Literature, Detective Fiction · 22 chapters