A Gent from Bear Creek (short story)

Introduction

“A Gent from Bear Creek” is the title of both an original short story, as well as a novel created by combining several previous short stories with some new material; the previously published short stories were altered a little to create chapters with a continuous storyline, and new material was added as additional chapters.

This story along with “The Ghost with the Silk Hat” and “Guns of the Mountains” was received by Howard’s agent, Kline, on November 8, 1933.

This short story was altered slightly to become Chapter 5 of the novel, A Gent From Bear Creek.

“A Gent from Bear Creek” dives into the life of Breckinridge Elkins, a character whose adventures are as wild as the untamed landscapes of the American frontier he inhabits. This tale, rich in humor and exaggerated exploits, showcases Robert E. Howard’s skill in creating vivid, action-packed narratives centered around his larger-than-life protagonist.

“A Gent from Bear Creek” is a quintessential Robert E. Howard tale, blending action, humor, and a touch of romance into a narrative that is both a parody and a celebration of the Western genre. Through the exploits of Breckinridge Elkins, Howard explores themes of justice, heroism, and the eternal search for personal fulfillment in the wild, untamed frontiers of the American West.

From the letters:

In a letter (#299) to H.P. Lovecraft, ca. September 1934 he mentions the story:

I sent you a couple of magazines under separate cover, which you’ve doubtless got by this time. The paragraphs marked with a pencil in “Gent From Bear Creek” are not mine. The enthusiasm of the editor prompted him to insert them. They doubtless help the story.

The story

The story begins with a familial squabble, highlighting the domestic side of Elkins’ life that swiftly turns into a quest for personal redemption and proves his mettle. The misunderstanding with Glory McGraw, a recurring figure in Elkins’ life who represents unrequited love and social aspirations, serves as the catalyst for the ensuing chaos. Determined to prove his worth and perhaps win over a “town-gal,” Elkins sets off, only to stumble into a series of misadventures that underscore his physical prowess and good-hearted nature.

Howard ingeniously intertwines Elkins’ personal vendetta with a broader narrative of lawlessness in the town of Wampum, controlled by the corrupt Bill Ormond and his gang. Elkins’ initial quest becomes entangled with the fate of the town, showcasing his unwavering sense of justice despite his claims of only pursuing personal interests. The character of Betty, a young girl caught in the crossfire of Ormond’s tyranny, adds depth to the story, providing Elkins with a moral compass and a cause to fight for beyond his own.

The climax of the tale, set in the Golden Eagle saloon, is a masterclass in Howard’s ability to craft explosive and comical action scenes that feel both chaotic and entirely fitting for a character like Elkins. His one-man assault on Ormond’s stronghold is both a literal and figurative demolition of the corrupt power structure in Wampum, executed with such over-the-top bravado that it borders on the absurd.

Howard’s commentary on the corruption of law and the simplicity of frontier justice is woven throughout the narrative, with Elkins embodying the archetypal hero who brings order to chaos, not through legal means, but through sheer force of will and physical strength. The resolution, which sees the rightful sheriff restored and the promise of peace for Wampum, is as much a victory for Elkins as it is for the town.

The story closes on a humorous note, with Elkins stubbornly clinging to his initial goal of finding a “town-gal,” despite the day’s extraordinary events. This ending is a testament to Elkins’ unchangeable nature and Howard’s skill in creating a character who, for all his heroics, remains humorously grounded in his personal quirks and ambitions.

The characters

  • Breckinridge Elkins: The protagonist, a towering and robust man from Bear Creek, known for his physical strength and straightforward, albeit naive, approach to problems.
  • Ouachita Elkins: Breckinridge’s sister, who criticizes him for his behavior towards Glory McGraw.
  • Glory McGraw: A woman from Bear Creek with whom Breckinridge has a complicated relationship, marked by misunderstandings and Breckinridge’s unrequited feelings.
  • Jim Braxton: Mentioned as having married Ellen Reynolds, another woman Breckinridge had feelings for.
  • Erath Elkins and Joel Gordon: Breckinridge’s relatives, initially found fighting over a misunderstanding regarding a hidden gold cache.
  • Uncle Jeppard Grimes: The owner of the gold cache, mistaken by others as a thief, and implicated in the conflict over the gold.
  • Doc Richards: The doctor in Wampum, who warns Breckinridge about the dangers he faces from Bill Ormond and his gang.
  • Al Jackson: One of Bill Ormond’s deputies, who tries to enforce Ormond’s corrupt law by arresting Breckinridge.
  • Betty: A young girl related to Joab, a victim of Ormond’s tyranny. She seeks Breckinridge’s help to save her uncle.
  • Jim: A man who lives with the oppressed townsfolk on Grizzly Mountain and seeks to oppose Ormond’s rule.
  • Bill Ormond: The self-proclaimed sheriff of Wampum, actually an outlaw leading a gang that terrorizes the town.
  • Wolf Ashley (aka Black Whiskers): A deputy under Ormond, accused by Breckinridge of stealing Uncle Jeppard’s gold.
  • Jack Gordon: Joel’s youngest brother, who comes to inform Breckinridge about the resolution of the conflict over the gold on Bear Creek.

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