Jack of the Pony Express; or, The Young Rider of the Mountain Trails

by Frank V. Webster

Frank V. Webster was the author of The Boy from the Ranch; or, Roy Bradner's City Experiences (1909), The Young Treasure Hunter; or, Fred Stanley's Trip to Alaska (1909), The Young Firemen of Lakeville; or, Herbert Dare's Pluck (1909), Jack, the Runaway (1909), Bob the Castaway; or, The Wreck of the Eagle (1909), Comrades of the Saddle; or, The Young Rough Riders of the Plains (1910), The Boys of Bellwood School; or, Frank Jordan's Triumph (1910), Bob Chester's Grit; or, From Ranch to Riches (1911), Airship Andy (1911), The High School Rivals (1911), Darry the Life Saver; or, The Heroes of the Coast (1911), Dick the Bank Boy; or, A Missing Fortune (1911), Ben Hardy's Flying Machine (1911), The Boys of the Wireless (1912), Harry Watson's High School Days (1912), The Boy Scouts of Lenox; or, The Hike Over Big Bear Mountain (1915), Tom Taylor at West Point (1915), Cowboy Dave; or, The Round-Up at Rolling River (1915), Two Boys of the Battleship (1915) and Jack of the Pony Express; or, The Young Rider of the Mountain Trails (1915).

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is set too late for the actual pony express but deals with a boy who runs a short route through difficult mountain country connecting a set of stage routes. I did find it interesting that there was doubt about Jack being able to take over his father's route because of his age but seemingly no problem with his "cousin" Jenny being officially appointed as postmistress. Though the story is pretty typically western, there are a few references to motorbikes, etc. that make it clear it was meant as a contemporary story. Because of that, I did have to question at times whether this was really the West as it stood at the time it was written or if the writer was depending on general knowledge/stereotypes. Overall, not a standout adventure story, but not below the average.

Content--some danger and peril; mentions of blood and wounds (not graphic); a boy is drugged; kidnapping and theft

[Khalid B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, minuscule fun.