“Old Garfield’s Heart” was first published in Weird Tales in December of 1933 and is generally labeled as a “Horror Story”. It takes place shortly after the end of the Wild West, but it falls squarely into the “Weird Western” genre. The story is about a frontiersman, Old Garfield, who has lived as long as anyone can remember. The story is told through the eyes of an unnamed narrator who believes the tales told by Old Garfield are nothing more than whims of fancy or tall tales.
The story centers on a feud between two cowboys, Cal Reynolds and Esau Brill, who have hated each other most of their lives. They encounter one another while out riding and a gunfight ensues. They stalk one another from hiding places among the boulders, firing occasional shots over a long period.
Short biography – written by Rusty Burke.
Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) ranks among the greatest writers of action and adventure stories. The creator of Conan the Cimmerian, Kull of Atlantis, Solomon Kane, Bran Mak Morn, ‘El Borak,’ Sailor Steve Costigan and many other memorable characters, Howard (known as REH to his millions of fans), in a career that spanned barely 12 years, wrote well over a hundred stories for the pulp magazines of his day.
“Gunman’s Debt,” a Western tale by Robert E. Howard, offers a vivid glimpse into the raw and tumultuous world of the Old West. Set in the small prairie town of San Juan, Kansas, the story unfolds with the arrival of Texan John Kirby, who is quickly ensnared in a web of deceit and long-standing feuds. Unbeknownst to Kirby, the town is under the clandestine control of Captain Blanton and his chief henchman, Jim Garfield, an old enemy from Kirby’s past along the Rio Grande.
Alternative title: “The Curly Wolf of Sawtooth”. Features Bearfield Elston. The version titled “A Elkins Never Surrenders” comes from an earlier draft, and features Breckinridge Elkins.
The appearance in THE SUMMIT COUNTY JOURNAL had the name changed to “Breckenridge” to be like the town it was published in.
Otis Adelbert Kline (REH’s agent) first listed the title of the story as “A Elkins Never Surrenders”. He offered it to V. I. Cooper, when he declined, Kline returned the story to REH. A month later it hits the logs again with a new title “A Elston to the Rescue”, and is then sold to Miller for STAR WESTERN. The published title is likely from the magazine editors.
The version titled “The Curly Wolf of Sawtooth” features Bearfield Elston. The version titled “A Elkins Never Surrenders” comes from an earlier draft, and features Breckinridge Elkins.
The appearance in THE SUMMIT COUNTY JOURNAL had the name changed to “Breckenridge” to be like the town it was published in.
Otis Adelbert Kline (REH’s agent) first listed the title of the story as “A Elkins Never Surrenders”. He offered it to V. I. Cooper, when he declined, Kline returned the story to REH. A month later it hits the logs again with a new title “A Elston to the Rescue”, and is then sold to Miller for STAR WESTERN. The published title is likely from the magazine editors.
The untitled synopsis for Robert E. Howard’s “Black Hound of Death” offers a glimpse into a dark and suspenseful narrative. Set in the secluded pine woods, this story weaves together elements of supernatural horror and human betrayal, centered around the enigmatic and determined figure of Kirby Garfield.
WAR ON BEAR CREEK. Featuring Breckinridge Elkins.First published in Action Stories, April 1935. This short story was altered slightly to become Chapter 12 of the novel, A Gent From Bear Creek.
“The Thunder-Rider” by Robert E. Howard tells the story of John Garfield, who is the reincarnation of a Comanche warrior named Iron Heart. Through a mystical experience, Garfield recalls his past life and the various exploits and conflicts of Iron Heart. The narrative alternates between Garfield’s current life and his past, exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the timeless nature of certain human experiences. The story delves into the spiritual journey of its main character, his connection to his past, and his understanding of himself as a man of two worlds.
Striped Shirts and Busted Hearts. Featuring Breckinridge Elkins. This short story was altered slightly to become chapter 1 of the novel, A Gent From Bear Creek.
