The Settling of the Sage

"The Settling of the Sage" by Hal G. Evarts is an early 20th-century historical fiction rooted in the American West, telling a tale of ranchers facing the challenges of incoming settlers and exploring themes of conflict, teamwork, and evolving values. The story follows Bill Harris, a cowboy endeavoring to win back his family's ranch while dealing with the changing landscape of land use. It begins with a man on horseback contemplating the rough conditions of ranching, and follows Bill Harris, who crosses paths with Billie Warren, the daughter of his father's old partner, who now manages the Three Bar ranch. Their intricate connection forms as they face the pressing problems of new people moving into their land and new methods of life in the West, presenting a story of determination amidst the shift of the cultural landscape, raising questions of devotion, competition, and the fight to prosper during a time of great change.