Jove western

A self-confessed murderer recounts the events that led up to an apparently unprovoked attack; a gruesome murder scene holds nasty surprises for the investigating officers; a man makes what amounts to a deal with the devil - and pays the price; caught up in events beyond his control, a bit-part player in a wider drama has his guardian angel to thank for his survival ... These, and other stories of the strange and unaccountable, make up this collection from author Philip E. High.

"On his way to Oregon, Clint Adams takes on a side job as a mailman. Normally he wouldn't agree to such a task, but it is for his friend and barber, Ned Smith. Clint soon discovers that this small favor for a friend is going to be big trouble. The parcel to be delivered to Hinterland is a piece of art by Ned, who has quite a following--of gunmen. But those pursuing the Gunsmith will soon learn that lead doesn't paint a pretty picture..."--p. of cover.

"Someone has a score to settle with the Gunsmith, and after a few attempts are made on his life, Clint Adams decides to lay low in Mexico until it blows over. But he's not the only gringo taking refuge in the sleepy seaside town of Laguna Niguel. With an old friend staying close by, and a man who is going by the name Father Flynn hanging around, everyone is keeping their secrets close and their heads down. But when it gets too quiet in Laguna Niguel, the sheriff knows it can only mean one thing: trouble"--P. of cover.

Loretta Burns may be the rudest woman Clint Adams ever met, but she's also in a heap of trouble. After losing a precious black chest on her way from California, she soon discovers--from a run-in with a crooked sheriff and two of his goons--that Clint is the only man she can trust to help her find it. The question now is ... can he trust her?

Slocum finds himself protecting a man with a death wish. Dangerous barkeeps and shifty criminals all want a piece of the man Slocum must defend-and he knows better than anyone that bullets don't have names on them.

"He doesn't look old enough to drink, let alone wear a badge. But twenty-year-old Sheriff Dan Starkweather has a lifetime of hatred for his outlaw father--and he sure can shoot. Clint Adams is impressed--and agrees to help track the senior Starkweather's gang. When Nate Starkweather shoots a sheriff, he aims for the tin badge--which is why the kid had his made of iron. So all Clint and Dan have to do is follow the shot-through badges. But when the trail ends, even Clint finds the odds may be more then [sic] they can handle..."--p.of cover.

Cowboys seeking companionship can always find a woman flaunting her feminine wiles at the Socorro Saloon. But once lured inside, they fall prey to bad men in the employ of Willie Scroggs. Linda Littlepage fears for the women working for her at the saloon. Fortunately she's just met John Slocum, a man who has some tough business tactics of his own.