Forgotten Cowboy — Judy Hoffman

Marcus Allen, a wet behind the ear newspaper reporter, is sent by his uncle and editor-in-chief of an up-and-coming Phoenix newspaper, to a town north of the valley. Marcus is told that if he can get a good story out of the old geezer, he would offer him a desk job on the paper. His uncle only gave him a week to get the story. Marcus reluctantly takes on the challenge offered him and travels by Greyhound bus to the town of Prescott. The old cowboy, Johnny Hoffman, agrees to speak with him only if he finds Marcus a captive audience. He introduces Marcus to a life unfamiliar to the young reporter. Marcus becomes frustrated as Johnny tells him everything about his life except the real story that he came to write. Morenci, Arizona, June 1st, 1905, a tough to the core cowboy and former Hashknife cowboy, Johnny takes on a job as a cook and packer for an expedition in search of gold deep into the Sonoran Desert. Four disasterous mistakes were made on this treacherous journey. Greed and bad decisions dictated poor planning. The trip takes them to the cannibalistic island, Tiburon, in the Sea of Cortez. Tiburon in Spanish means sharks. Planning on walking to the island during the time when the sea retreats enabled them to go without boats. However, a dangerous mistake was made. When they arrived, thirsty and hungry, it was the wrong time of the year. Finding evidence of the Seri, they pondered their fate while waiting for an attack. They would, however, find that lack of water was their worst enemy. Would the men themselves prove to be the biggest threat? Would Marcus gain Johnny's respect to become the sole author of this incredible story based on fact? The answers lie within the pages of the book.