The Holdouts.

WILLIAM DECKER

Publication: Little, Brown and Company, 1979, Boston

First edition. Boards, 256pp. Set in 1964 Arizona, the story begins when 15 yearlings from the Rocking R Ranch herd are found by the sheriff--with their brands crudely altered--and returned to foreman Sam Howard. Sam hadn't even known the yearlings were missing -- and why was someone trying to rustle yearlings? Sam decides to hold a roundup and count his herd to see how many head are gone, quickly plunging the reader into the daily nitty-gritty of the roundup and the lives of the hands, a diverse bunch of young johnnies, old salts, ex-criminals, and out-of-work rodeo riders. An excellent novel of ranching and cattle-rustling in northern Arizona. An unusually accurate portrayal of ranch life. Near fine in dust jacket.

Inventory Number: 1640