Jack Crabb

At a minimum, Jack Crabb is a gifted storyteller who has some knowledge of the American West during the pioneer era. Perhaps his knowledge goes much deeper, and he really participated in some historically important events and activities of that era. One way or another, he claims no special ability, just that he tried to make his way through life, coping as anyone would with the challenges he faced. That unpretentious attitude makes him an engaging and accessible narrator.

Ralph Fielding Snell

Ralph Fielding Snell is the spoiled adult child of a wealthy man. He is fascinated by the rough and tumble history of the Old West, but he is just about as far from rough and tumble as one can imagine. He is frail, self-important, and perhaps even gullible. His reliability -- or lack thereof -- frames the whole book, making it either stand on its...