The squaw spy; or the rangers of the lava-beds

"The Squaw Spy; or The Rangers of the Lava-Beds" by T. C. Harbaugh is a late 19th-century historical novel set during the Modoc War. The story centers around Kit South, a tough scout, Artena, a brave Modoc girl working as a spy, and Captain Jack, the powerful Modoc chief leading the charge. The book is an intense portrayal of combat, loyalty, and deceit during a tense and chaotic time in American history as the U.S. Army attempts to extinguish the Modoc resistance in the California Lava Beds. Artena becomes critical to Kit and General Gillem whose discussions reveal a recent skirmish, the loss of soldiery, and a high-stakes bid to capture Captain Jack. Loyalties blur when an unknown spy is detected, threatening the lives of soldiers and Artena, setting up betrayal and bravery within the wild and rugged landscape.