The Seventh Man by Max Brand

[starwood5000]

Another amazing book by Max Brand. Several familiar characters appeared from his other books which was a delightful surprise although not necessary to follow the storyline. Longer than most of his books with a great fictional story to tell.
Almost a very strange custody story in western days. Suspenseful and full of surprises in each chapter. Sadly the little girl is forced to decide between parents and lifestyle. After giving aid to a wounded stranger the couple's real names and history are recognized breaking them up.
Adding to the story is a amazing wolf-like super intelligent dog that surprised me with the protective and human interaction between owner and surrounding needs. Have to include the unusual life-saving black stallion that often also thinks for himself. This amazing animal outruns and shows almost as much intelligence as the dog. Both are great supporting characters.
Even though a wanted criminal the finally recognized outlaw only tries to kill those that break his own moral codes such as killing a horse that he cared for. He refuses to shot at some members of the men chasing him. With very little human help his intelligence and supporting animals allow him to evade the posse much longer than believed.
Unfortunately the mother decides that she does not want the daughter with Whistling Dan anymore and forms her own men to prevent the two from being together. The young daughter does not understand and goes into a deep depression. The mother is actually responsible for the death of the great Whistling Dan to keep the two apart.
I enjoyed the book but hated the ending. It's a great Western like most by Max Brand. It was free from Amazon by searching. More involved than the normal which adds to the novel. Many typos to over look.
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