The Desert Fiddler by William H. Hamby is about the early border life of a settler in the California desert. Excerpt: “Bob Rogeen slept in the east wing of the squat adobe house. At about midnight, there was a vigorous and persistent shaking of the screen door. “Yes?” he called, sleepily. “They have just telephoned in from the Red Butte Ranch”—it was Dayton, his employer, at the door—"the engine on that tractor has balked. They want a man out there by daylight to fix it.” Bob put up his arms and stretched, and replied yawningly: “Well, I guess I'm the fixer.” “I guess you are,” agreed the implement dealer. “You know the way, don't you? Better ride the gray; and don't forget to take your gun.” The boss crossed the patio to his own wing of the house.”
