Tramps of the Range by W.C. Tuttle
The story unfolds in the cow town of Moon Flats, where Shelby "Shell" Romaine, recently released from prison, returns to a community that still views him with suspicion. He was convicted for a bank robbery, a crime he insists he didn't commit, but the evidence was stacked against him, largely due to the testimony of Jim Searles, a cowboy who claimed to have seen him during the robbery. Moon Flats is a typical Western town, with its dusty streets and false-fronted buildings, serving as a hub for the surrounding cattle ranges. The town is waking up as Shell arrives, and he encounters old acquaintances, Newt Bowie and Monte Barnes, who are surprised to see him back. They discuss the town's unchanged nature and the presence of a mysterious outlaw known as the "Black Rider," who has been committing robberies dressed in black. Shell's return is met with mixed reactions. Some are curious, others wary, and the sheriff, Pat Haley, is particularly interested in Shell's movements. Shell's father, "Rim-Fire" Romaine, was a notorious figure, and his recent death during a stagecoach robbery attempt adds to the tension. The town is abuzz with rumors, and Shell's presence only fuels the fire. Meanwhile, Cal Severn, the owner of the Diamond-S ranch, is dealing with his own troubles. The ranch is struggling financially, and Severn is a man of pride and quick temper. He hires two new cowboys, Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens, who are more than they seem. They are undercover operatives sent to investigate the missing money from the bank robbery Shell was accused of. As the story progresses, Shell tries to clear his name and find the real culprits behind the crimes attributed to him. He is caught in a web of deceit and danger, with the Black Rider's identity and the missing money at the center of the mystery. The narrative weaves through themes of justice, redemption, and the harsh realities of life in the Old West. The tension builds as Shell navigates the treacherous landscape of Moon Flats, facing old enemies and new threats. The arrival of Hashknife and Sleepy adds a layer of intrigue, as they work to uncover the truth while maintaining their cover. The story culminates in a dramatic showdown, where loyalties are tested, and the true villains are revealed. In the end, Shell's quest for justice and redemption is intertwined with the fate of Moon Flats, as the town grapples with its own identity and the legacy of its past. The resolution brings closure to Shell's journey, offering a glimpse of hope and the possibility of a new beginning.
By W.C. Tuttle · First published 1937 · Genre: Western, Adventure, Rural Fiction · 46,691 words
First lines
The first faint flush of dawn was creeping over the Mission River hills, as the Overland train drew to a stop at the little town of Moon Flats. It was only a moment's pause, but in that length of time a man had dropped off the rods of the baggage-car, crept between the trucks and walked slowly down the main street.
The town was deserted at this time in the morning, and the man seemed to study the dimly outlined, false-fronted buildings as if he had been there before.
What this Textopian page supports
Tramps of the Range is listed on Textopian as a novel by W.C. Tuttle, dated 1937 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: W.C. Tuttle
- Date: 1937 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Western, Adventure, Rural Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 46,691 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1,756 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tramps of the Range 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
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Genres
- Western — The title and setting suggest a frontier environment typical of Western narratives.
- Adventure — Themes of travel and exploration in rugged landscapes align with adventure fiction.
- Rural Fiction — The focus on life in expansive, undeveloped areas implies a strong rural element.
- Historical Fiction — The period context inferred from the title supports elements of historical narrative.
Tags
Western · adventure · ranch life · outlaw · cowboy · frontier · American West · action · wanderer · drifter · survival · conflict