Louis L'Amour said thatthe West was no place for the frightened or the mean. It was a "big countryneeding big men and women to live in it." This volume presents nine ofL'Amour's ever-popular short stories—history that lives forever.

"Ridingfor the Brand"After a narrow escape, Jed Asbury comesacross a derelict covered wagon, the people and their horses killed. Nowoutfitted in new clothes and guns, he decides to finish what the former ownershad set out to do.

"FourCard Draw"Allen Ring drew four cards in a poker gamewith Ben Taylor and won a small ranch. It's all Allen had ever hoped to have—but Marshall Bilton is determined to make things difficult.

"His Brother's Debt"Rock Casady is considered a coward becausehe won't go into town. But that was before Sue Landon asked Rock to accompany her to make some needed purchases—and Casady can't say no to a lady.

"A Strong Land Growing"Marshal Fitz Moore of Sentinel hearsthat outlaws plan to hit his town. Their method is to kill thelawman first, then loot the town. Nevertheless, Moore intends to make his stand.

"The Turkeyfeather Riders"Jim Sandifer, foreman for the B Bar ranch,plans to come clean about a raid he stopped on the Katrischen spread—eventhough it will bring an end to his life at the ranch and ruin his only chance withthe girl he loves.

"Lit a Shuck for Texas"The Sandy Kid is nineteenand new to this range. He gets curious when he tells his boss, Wald, of arich-veined chunk of gold ore on Wald's land but gets only anger in response.

"The Nester and the Paiute"The Paiute is the local bad man. But as badas his rustling and killing has been, Sheriff Todd had never caught him withreal evidence—but that was before the Nester rode in ...

"Barney Takes a Hand"The H&C Cattle Companyhas an eviction notice for Tess Bayeux. Tess has been waiting for help from RexTilden, but he hasn't responded. She supposes that this new fellow, Barney,will be no help at all, but in that she is wrong.

"Man Riding West"Jim Gary, the man ridingwest, comes upon three men pushing cattle. Red Slagle seems friendly enough andeven offers Jim a job riding herd. Jim can use the money, and the herd ismoving the same direction he is, which is good luck for him—unless the herd isstolen.