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The Two-Gun Man

by Charles Alden Seltzer (1875–1942)

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 24 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"The Two-Gun Man" by Charles Alden Seltzer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a rugged Western setting, centering around the main character, a skilled gunfighter named Ferguson who rides into the dubious town of Dry Bottom. The narrative explores themes of honor, conflict, and the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of a lawless frontier populated by various colorful characters. The opening of the novel introduces Ferguson as he approaches Dry Bottom, a town known for its saloons and questionable morals. As he rides into town, he witnesses a shooting competition and soon finds himself tangled in a confrontation with a local gunman. The narrative sets up an atmosphere of tension and rivalry, highlighting Ferguson's quiet confidence and skill with firearms. Additionally, the initial chapters establish the social dynamics and moral decay of Dry Bottom, suggesting that Ferguson’s arrival may have significant implications for the characters inhabiting this desolate landscape.

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  • Western stories

Read the opening

Chapter I

THE STRANGER AT DRY BOTTOM

From the crest of Three Mile Slope the man on the pony could see the town of Dry Bottom straggling across the gray floor of the flat, its low, squat buildings looking like so many old boxes blown there by an idle wind, or unceremoniously dumped there by a careless fate and left, regardless, to carry out the scheme of desolation.

Apparently the rider was in no hurry, for, as the pony topped the rise and the town burst suddenly into view, the little animal pricked up its ears and quickened its pace, only to feel the reins suddenly tighten and to hear the rider's voice gruffly discouraging haste. Therefore, the pony pranced gingerly, alert, champing the bit impatiently, picking its way over the lumpy hills of stone and cactus, but holding closely to the trail.

The man lounged in the saddle, his strong, well-knit body swaying gracefully, his eyes, shaded by the brim of his hat, narrowed with slight mockery and interest as he gazed steadily at the town that lay before him.

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Contents

  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV: A "Different Girl"
  5. Chapter V
  6. Chapter VI
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX: Would You Be a "Character"?
  10. Chapter X
  11. Chapter XI
  12. Chapter XII
  13. Chapter XIII: "Do You Smoke?"
  14. Chapter XIV
  15. Chapter XV
  16. Chapter XVI
  17. Chapter XVII
  18. Chapter XVIII
  19. Chapter XIX
  20. Chapter XX
  21. Chapter XXI
  22. Chapter XXII
  23. Chapter XXIII
  24. Chapter XXIV

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About this edition

This free edition of The Two-Gun Man by Charles Alden Seltzer comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #19012, released 2006-08-09. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Adventure, Novels, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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