The Missionary Sheriff Being incidents in the life of a plain man who tried to do his duty

"The Missionary Sheriff" by Octave Thanet is a tale set in the late 1800s that follows Sheriff Amos Wickliff, an upstanding man tasked with upholding justice and morality. As Sheriff Wickliff reflects on his position of authority within his community and observes local boy soldiers during a parade, the novel introduces themes of compassion, redemption, and the difficulties one faces in society. Readers quickly discover he is a kind-hearted man, especially when dealing with people in jail, such as the con artist Ned Paisley. After finding a photograph belonging to Paisley, the sheriff feels sympathy for the young man’s mother and attempts to protect her from the reality of her son’s criminal life. Wickliff aims to shield her from the truth about her son’s life of crime and the harsh realities of the justice system, showcasing the Sheriff's dual role as a law enforcer and a man of compassion.