Hidden Water

"Hidden Water" by Dane Coolidge is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the Old West, the story revolves around the conflict between cattlemen and sheepmen, exploring themes of rivalry, land rights, and social dynamics within a rough-and-tumble desert town in Arizona. The narrative introduces Rufus Hardy, a newcomer with a pacifist inclination, who finds himself entangled in the ongoing tension between these two groups as he assumes the role of sheep expert for the Dos S Ranch. The beginning of the novel immerses readers in a storm-laden bar scene at the Hotel Bender, where cowboys and sheepmen alike gather to escape the elements and engage in revelry. The character of Hardy is established as he stands apart from the others, refusing both drinks and the social customs of the cowboys, which sparks tension with the barkeeper. As Hardy interacts with various local figures, including Jefferson Creede, the foreman of the Dos S, it becomes evident that a larger conflict over water and land between the cattlemen and sheep owners is looming, setting the stage for an exploration of moral courage and the struggles of frontier life amidst the changing landscape.