A Horse's Tale

Mark Twain's A Horse's Tale gallops from mock-heroic humor into a frontier world where horses, soldiers, and a fierce little girl matter as much as any general. At its center is Cathy, a French orphan sent to live with General Alison, whose arrival transforms Fort Paxton into a place of affection, mischief, and loyal devotion. Told through letters and lively animal voices, the story blends military life, family obligation, cultural identity, and the comic seriousness of childhood play. Soldier Boy, Buffalo Bill's proud horse, introduces the post, its gossip, and the admiration surrounding Cathy, while letters from Rouen and the frontier reveal her multilingual charm, Spanish pride, quick temper, and deep kindness toward animals. At the fort, she becomes the beloved "Lightning-Bug," adored by soldiers, scouts, Indians, and the household's Black nurse, Dorcas, who helps shape her education and protects her tenderly. Cathy thrives in army country, riding with skill, visiting Indian camps, and claiming the plains as home. As danger closes in on Buffalo Bill, the Rangers' playful drills give way to real vigilance, and Twain's wit carries a tale of courage, loyalty, and unexpected heroism. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.