When the West Was Young

The following are excerpts from; “The Quirt and the Spur” by Edgar Rye
Far out beyond the confines of civilization, far out where daring men took possession of the hunting ground of the Indians and killed herds of buffalo to make a small profit in pelts, leaving the carcass to putrefy and the bones to bleach on the prairies.
Far out where cattlemen disputed over the possession of mavericks, and the branding iron was the only evidence of ownership.
Far out where a cool head backed the deadly six-shooter and the man behind the gun, with a steady aim and a quick trigger, won out in the game where life was staked upon the issue.
Far out, where the distant landscape melted into the blue horizon, and a beautiful mirage was painted on the skyline.
Far out where the weary, thirsty traveler camped overnight near a deep water hole, while nearby in the green valley, a herd of wild horses grazed unrestrained by man’s authority.
Far out where the coyote wolves yelped in unison as they chased a jackrabbit in a circle of death, then fought over his remains in a bloody feast.
Far out where the gray Lobo wolf and the mountain lion stalked their prey, killed and gorged their fill until the light in the east warned them to seek cover in their mountain lairs.
Far out where bands of red warriors raided the lonely ranch house, killing, burning, and pillaging, leaving a trail of blood and ashes behind them as a sad warning to the white man to beware of the Indian's revenge.
Far out into this wonderful country of great possibilities, where the sun looked down upon a scene of rare beauty."