Wagon Boss
In 1948 L P Holmes published this tale of desert war, and I suspect it was on the top of everyone's reading list. The "hero" Steve Cloud took the job as wagon boss of Elison's supply train that moved freight across the desert to Fort Staley. But Steve was a loner and refused to join his train with another incurring that outfit's displeasure; and to made an enemy of Blake Olliger who ran the way stations for his company's line thereby risking any help along the route; then there were the Apaches who Cloud knew would attack--it was not a matter of if, but when. And there was Lynn Elison, the boss's daughter to think about....This is "traditional" western story telling at its best. What I really like. I think you will too.