Hanging Tree — Dorothy M. Johnson

The title story, The Hanging Tree, is based on a true episode in Montana s gold-mining past. Three amazing characters meet: the cynical Doc Frail; the boy robber named Rune, whom Doc saves and enslaves; and Elizabeth, the young easterner who survives an Indian assault and comes under the care of Doc and Rune. In the gold-mining camp of Skull Creek Elizabeth becomes the mysterious Lucky Lady. A vigorous, psychological western, The Hanging Tree was made into a movie starring Gary Cooper.The stories in this book consolidate Dorothy M. Johnson s reputation for authenticity and artistic integrity. Lost Sister is based on the recapture of Cynthia Ann Parker, a white woman abducted by the Comanche Indians. The Man Who Knew the Buckskin Kid tells of two married people and an outlaw who share a secret. Fully as arresting are The Last Boast, Journal of Adventure, I Woke Up Wicked, The Gift by the Wagon, A Time for Greatness, The Story of Charley, and Blanket Squaw. "