by James Schaffranek | Jun 8, 2015 | Commentary on Society, Religion
In the American West, masks were worn by lots of people. Outlaws tied bandannas around their necks, snugged up over their noses to keep folks from recognizing them during a stage coach holdup. Angus saw his share of those masks. Indian tribes wore masks as part of...
by James Schaffranek | Jun 1, 2015 | Commentary on Society, Goal Setting, Guns, Life Advice
Back in 1885, Tinker Cantwaite became overly fond of a Big Fifty. He figured if he had one he could hunt anything he wanted. The man was short on patience and mouthy about having his own Big Fifty—a common nickname for the .50 caliber Sharps rifle—one of the West’s...
by James Schaffranek | May 25, 2015 | Commentary on Society, Horses, Law
To a first-time reader, Angus looks as a character hard to pin down. Not enough about him comes out in the early pages of Ten Shoes Up. So it’s hard to say whether he’s seeking reconciliation or company. He could be for the law, “agin” it, looking for it,...
by James Schaffranek | May 18, 2015 | Commentary on Society
Angus knew something about gates—he pretty much hated ‘em. If you’re horseback and come on a gate, it means somebody fenced you out. Can’t be a good thing, at least not in the 1880s when Angus was riding high ridgelines on the New Mexico—Colorado border. But corrals...
