Little Rifle; or, The Young Fur Hunters

"Little Rifle; or, The Young Fur Hunters" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is an adventure about a young boy in the Pacific Northwest making his way in the wilderness and trying to unlock the secrets of his past. Living near the Upper Columbia River, Little Rifle is skilled at trapping and navigating the forest, moving quietly to set traps. Raised by a trapper named Old Ruff Robsart, he reflects on his solitary life while grappling with his unknown background. The story builds suspense by highlighting the ever-present dangers of the wild, including the threat of the Blackfoot and the challenges of survival. Little Rifle uses his bravery and cleverness to beat a rival hunter, foreshadowing even bigger challenges. Because of his skills, he will face the threat from wildlife and hostile natives to discover who he is.