The Baron of Diamond Tail

Catalog Description The Baron of Diamond Tail by G.W. Ogden (Grosset & Dunlap, 1923) is a Western novel composed of twenty-six chapters. The narrative opens with young cowpuncher Dan Gustin of the Diamond Tail ranch consulting lawyer Charley Thomson in the town of Saunders, Wyoming. Gustin seeks advice on a killing he contemplates but Thomson dissuades him, explaining that homicide defense costs far exceed Gustin's sixty dollars—approximately one thousand dollars minimum. Gustin reveals his dispute involves "Cattle Kate" Medford, though he assures Thomson he wouldn't harm her father. Thomson advises Gustin to abandon his plan. Before leaving, Gustin mentions a passenger he's retrieving from town—a young Eastern man sent by the ranch owners to toughen up. The novel proceeds through themes of frontier justice, conflict, and redemption. Chapter contents reference figures including Manuel, a villain, rustlers, and characters Findlay and Marsh Meadows.