The Bar-20 Three

"The Bar-20 Three" by Clarence Edward Mulford is a novel written in the early 20th century. This tale is set in the Wild West and follows the adventures of Johnny Nelson and his companions as they navigate the challenges and dangers of cowboy life, including conflicts with local lawmen and the harsh realities of their environment. The focus is on themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival against the backdrop of ranching and the cowboy lifestyle. The opening of the story introduces Johnny Nelson, a cowboy who has recently returned to town after a cattle drive. He quickly finds himself in a confrontation at Quayle’s hotel when he accidentally steps on Sheriff Ward Corwin's foot, leading to an escalating exchange of words. The tension hints at an underlying conflict in the town, involving Corwin and another deputy, Bill Trask. As Johnny interacts with fellow cowboys and engages in casual conversations about their lives and the challenges they face, the narrative establishes a vivid picture of frontier life while foreshadowing the trouble he might encounter in the gambling dens and confrontations with the local sheriff.