Untitled synopsis (Gents on the Rampage)

Introduction

This untitled synopsis, later developed into Gents on the Rampage, is one of Robert E. Howard’s fast-paced, chaotic, and comical tales featuring Breckinridge Elkins. The story is a whirlwind of mistaken assumptions, stolen property, runaway trains, and bare-knuckle fights, characteristic of Howard’s Bear Creek yarns.

Summary

Breckinridge Elkins rides into town from a cow camp with money to buy supplies but gets sidetracked by a bizarre patent medicine salesman and his musical sidekick. He meets a young man who claims Breck’s friend Bearfield Buckner has gone mad, obsessed with marrying a woman. Breck gives the young man the supply money and rides to another town—without a railroad—taking the salesman and his companion along. He finds Bearfield drunk and belligerent, subdues him in a fierce fight, and hauls him to a cabin to administer the “loco-cure.” However, both the wagon and a horse are stolen by the companions. Breckinridge ties up Bearfield and sends him by train to Santa Fe. Back in town, the ranch owner and cowboys wrongly accuse Breck of gambling away the supply money. A fight ensues, and it’s revealed that Bearfield was not crazy—his girl and the young man had run off with both Breck’s money and Bearfield’s bride. Just then, a telegram arrives: Bearfield has taken over the train and is forcing it to return. With the situation out of control, Breckinridge flees for Old Mexico.

Characters

  • Breckinridge Elkins – The central character; a powerful but impulsive frontiersman who tries to help his friend Bearfield and ends up entangled in betrayal and chaos.
  • Bearfield Buckner – Breck’s friend, falsely believed to be insane; turns out he was pursuing marriage, only to be betrayed by a relative and his bride-to-be.
  • Unnamed Young Man – Bearfield’s cousin who lies about Bearfield’s condition, steals the supply money, and elopes with Bearfield’s intended bride.
  • Patent Medicine Salesman – A quack doctor selling “loco-cure” for horses; flees with one of Breck’s horses.
  • Banjo-Playing Companion – Accompanies the medicine man; steals the wagon and disappears.
  • Ranch Owner – Employer of Breck who wrongly accuses him of gambling away the ranch’s money and leads a violent confrontation.

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