Lanier of the Cavalry; or, A Week's Arrest

"Lanier of the Cavalry; or, A Week's Arrest" by Charles King is a novel that plunges into the world of cavalry soldiers at Fort Cushing, exploring the trials and relationships that shape their lives. The story focuses on Lieutenant Bob Lanier, his comrades, and the headstrong Dora Mayhew as they face challenges of duty, competition, and love on the frontier. The book opens with a vivid picture of the Platte River at sunset, introducing Dora as she anticipates the return of Trooper Rawdon and Lieutenant Lanier, both of whom she cares deeply for. Tension rises as Sergeant Fitzroy, a man known for his aggression, confronts Rawdon, revealing the friction simmering beneath the surface. The scene is set for clashes of all kinds as the characters grapple with authority, loyalty, and the consequences of their choices within the strict military system, grabbing readers with vibrant descriptions and the complex relationships between the characters.