Punch was sort of a mongrel. In his veins circulated the blood of all the races found along the Gulf Coast and the Mexican border. Like most mongrels, Punch was a survivor, smart, healthy, dependable and loyal.Punch was a bit short of six-feet tall, slim, always clean shaven, with graying brown hair and blue eyes. He walked with a limp. His left leg had been messed up in a bad fall with a cowpony some years back. The wreck pretty well retired him from working as a full-time cowhand.Punch had an endless supply of stories of the old days; but, no one knew where he actually came from or exactly how old he was. It was evident that he had been a cowboy, probably a lawman, a hunter, a trapper and perhaps, an outlaw. Punch was fluent in Spanish and French, knew some Apache, and most folks believed that he knew Indian sign language. He was known to be a talented tracker. Some claimed: "He could track a bird through the air."As little was known about Punch, folks tended to fill the gaps with guesses and rumors. Punch never agreed or disagreed with those who claimed to have some knowledge about his background. As long as the avoided insulting or demeaning him, Punch would smile, volunteer nothing and allow people to form their own opinions about his background.He was easy going and friendly to everyone; but, if you had the sense God gave a sheep, you would sense Punch was not a man to be trifled with. Given the right circumstances, Punch could be a dangerous person to cross.One of the stories associated with Punch claimed he had trailed, on foot, a horse-thief into Mexico and recovered a stolen horse. When people mentioned the story to Punch, he would nod his head in apparent agreement and tell them: "Yup, you just about got it right."Punch knew that they were wrong...Dead wrong. Only he knew what had happened and he wasn't talking.

Jed unlimbered one of his prized LeMat revolvers and spurred his mount toward the Union line intent upon flanking the line of cannon and infantry to gain a less- exposed position and take the fight to the rear of the Yankees. He was aware that his comrades were falling all about him. He again spurred his laboring and terrified horse for more speed and to the right flank of the Union troops. He was within a hundred yards of his objective when he caught a glimpse of a Yankee cannonball just before it impacted his mount’s head and transformed it into a cloud of blood and tissue that enveloped Jed’s head and upper body with gore. Blinded by. . .

Meet the Most Notorious Texans Who Ever Lived Ride with horse thieves and cattle rustlers, stagecoach and train robbers. Duck the bullets of murderers, plot strategies with con artists, hiss at lawmen turned outlaws. From the tale of the infamous street shoot-out in Uvalde to the stories of the Dalton brother’s most despicable escapades, each story in this book offers a refreshing new perspective on some of the most infamous reprobates of the Old West. All this and more is yours for the reading in Outlaw Tales of Texas, which introduces fourteen of the most dramatic events, and the most daring and despicable desperados, in the history of the Lone Star State.

Miles evokes Indian, Mexican and Anglo traditions that converge in this area in this collection of tales. They cover supernatural phenomena such as the Marfa lights and water witching, murders, feuds, and lost treasures.

The anthology "60 WESTERNS: Cowboy Adventures, Yukon & Oregon Trail Tales, Famous Outlaws, Gold Rush Adventures" encapsulates the essence and ethos of the American frontiers, offering an exploratory journey through the diverse terrains of Western literature. This collection is remarkable not only for the breadth of its geographic and thematic scope but also for the variety of its literary styles, including adventure tales, reflective narratives, and depictions of historical events. The selected works engage deeply with the complexities of frontier life, reflecting on the themes of bravery, exploration, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of freedom and prosperity. Standout pieces within the collection vividly reanimate the rugged landscapes of the American West, making tangible the untamed spirit of its inhabitants and the period's cultural ethos. The contributing authors and editors to this comprehensive collection bring a wealth of perspectives to the evocation of the Western experience. Comprising icons such as Mark Twain, Jack London, and Willa Cather, among others, the anthology intersects with critical historical, cultural, and literary movements spanning the tumultuous Gold Rush era to the mythic storytelling of the Yukon. The magnitude of contributing talents provides a panoramic view of the West, delving into its legends, its hardships, and its enduring allure. Collectively, their works offer profound insights into the transformation of the American landscape and identity. "60 WESTERNS" invites readers to traverse the rich and varied landscapes of Western American literature. Each story, drawn from a unique voice and perspective, weaves together a broader narrative of struggle, survival, and triumph against the backdrop of some of history's most defining moments and locales. This anthology stands as an indispensable resource for students, historians, and literature aficionados alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted tapestry of Western American culture and the narrative potential it holds. Through engaging with this extensive collection, readers are given the unique opportunity to explore the frontiers of human experience, guided by some of the most influential voices of American literature.