This story by Walt Coburn is quick and enjoyable to read. A young man named Boone learned that Jawbone Smith was not his father and this bit of information turned his known world back upon it’s self. The boy Boone stood up and declared the whipping that he had endured would end and he began to do the things that he felt were right.
The events of the book place the two characters in continued conflict and reoccurring situations where Boone had to make decisions based on his past and what he wanted to happen as a man. He didn’t want to be an outlaw even though he had been cast in that lot. He had many opportunities to gain help from others but eventually turned it down.
The part of his life that he missed out on would be lost forever but he would struggle and gain the life experiences that he would need to survive as a man on his own. The law of the six-shooter made all men as equals, with the determining factors of speed and skill. Boone quickly improved his skill and speed with his natural ability. Now he had to control this skill with knowledge and experience.
The events that continue to happen through the growing period of Boone’s new life alone, pits him against a lawyer, gambler, sheriff, army officer, and bank and stage robber. The character of an old judges daughter, Virginia Lee, highlights the love interest in his new life. This brings out many secrets that help tie the western story together in an interesting story.
This was a good read and I enjoyed the events that highlighted the story and continued to draw me through the pages. I would consider this a good western author who can write and design good stories for his readers. This would be a must read.
