The Award of Justice; Or, Told in the Rockies: A Pen Picture of the West

"The Award of Justice; Or, Told in the Rockies: A Pen Picture of the West" by A. Maynard Barbour is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Edward B. Rutherford, Jr., a rather pretentious and near-sighted young man from Boston, who travels westward to the Rockies. He encounters various characters and situations that reveal the contrasts between his previous life in the eastern city and the rugged, raw nature of the western frontier. The opening of the narrative introduces Rutherford as he arrives in the sparsely populated Valley City, where he is immediately challenged by the simplicity and chaos of frontier life. He meets Tom, a local ranchman, and tries to navigate unfamiliar social interactions. The chapter captures his initial impressions of the West, revealing his discomfort and snobbishness as he observes locals and contemplates his surroundings. The narrative builds on themes of personal growth and the quest for identity amid the backdrop of a diverse and often harsh setting. As he prepares to travel further into the mountains, Rutherford finds himself unwittingly part of a landscape filled with potential adventures, and new relationships begin to take shape, promising to expand his worldview.