The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch; Or, In at the Grand Round-Up

"The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch; Or, In at the Grand Round-Up" by James Carson is a youthful adventure tale set in the old Southwest, focusing on two friends, Frank Haywood and Bob Archer, known as the "Saddle Boys". The story starts with Bob searching for his lost knife, but quickly shifts to their involvement in the daily routines of Circle Ranch, where they encounter familiar characters like Old Baldy, a particularly smart steer. When the boys notice a steer acting suspiciously, they uncover a hidden wolf and eagerly pursue it, demonstrating their skills as horsemen and their strong bond of friendship. This fast-paced opening establishes a narrative filled with action, the boys' quick thinking, and the developing danger represented by rustlers such as Pedro Mendoza, setting the stage for further escapades in the untamed west.