This is part of the story of Eli Higgins aka Blackjack aka Gus Arby. It is the fifth in the series of Wade Tanner and depicts the early years of Eli. In brief it is the two-fisted, hard-hitting saga of a cowboy and the trails he rode. His fast gun and nerves of steel won him the legendary name of Blackjack. Later in life he settles down to the peaceful life of a livery owner and becomes a best friend of Wade Tanner.