The Trey of Spades

Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens have ridden into the Thunder range hoping to find something rare in cow country: a place to settle, breathe, and maybe build a home. But before the two weathered cowpunchers can enjoy the promise of the open land, a near-fatal ambush and a frantic manhunt shatter the illusion of peace. The sheriff's pursuit of the elusive "Trey of Spades," a bold bandit who leaves only a playing card behind, draws them into a frontier mystery where law, violence, and loyalty collide. Their trail leads to the Maverick ranch, home to Dad Parker, his troubled son Cliff, and the capable, warm-hearted Mildred. Hospitality, rough humor, and frontier resilience briefly soften the danger, especially with the arrival of Reverend Jones and the ranch cook, Harmony, but the mood turns grim when Cliff stumbles in drunk and bitter, exposing family tensions and possible romance. As Sheriff Jud Farley quietly probes the Oxbow robbery, stolen jewelry, a blood trail, and Cliff's connection to Dorothy Clement, suspicion tightens around the ranch. Soon Dad Parker accuses his son outright of being the Trey of Spades, leaving Cliff trapped between denial, guilt, and a law that may be closing in. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.