Drum

The Civil War has beaten down Jeb Patton beyond the point of mere exhaustion. Only the precious memories of the girl he left behind sustains him as he fights on. He should have died countless times as he fought for Southern Cause and Jeb knows his luck is running mighty low. Fate catches up to him one night near a no-name town somewhere in war-torn Arkansas. Instead of waking up in the arms of an angel, he wakes up in a medical tent-his right leg gone. With this blow Jeb loses the desire to live, until he meets a man even more severely injured than himself. Taking strength from this unfortunate fellow soldier's misery, the newly discharged Jeb makes plans to head home. It's not an easy road, and Jeb is hampered by his injuries, the dangers of bushwackers and Union soldiers who are raiding the countryside. Ironically Jeb befriends an old slave-now a runaway heading north to freedom. Together they stand a better chance of surviving the chaos and they team up in their travels. Challenges and heartache await them on the dusty trail, but the pair set out for Montana with little more then their courage and dreams of a better tomorrow. Another exciting historical adventure, and story of friendship and bravery from best selling western author W.R. Benton.

Book Two continues the story of Civil War veteran, Jeb Patton. Now settled in the Rocky Mountains, starting anew as a farmer in the wilderness is a difficult task and one that takes both gumption and lots of raw determination.Patton befriends a pioneer family in trouble and helps them get a start in the Montana territory with help from his friends Abe and Moses. But tranquility is not to be as a renegade killer named Crawford passes their way-out for revenge. With war on the horizon Jeb will cross paths with more old allies, mountain men Ty and Jarel. A worthy sequel and exciting page-turner, with all the western action you'd expect from best selling western author W.R. Benton.

The Drum series continues: Vol. 3, Green RiverWhen Green River confronts a loud-mouthed banker's son in a saloon brawl, it results in a heap of trouble for the old man mountain man. The banker, Perigo, owns over half the town and he has his greedy heart set on owning the other half too. Jeb Patton is in town visiting family when he's drawn into the situation. The cattlemen are watching helplessly as their herd is suspiciously thinned. Jeb's own uncle too has lost many steers, so Jeb agrees to look into it. Before he can find any proof of what's going on several of the white ranchers accuse the Sioux of rustling and the army is called in. Jeb must find proof of his theory or a range war between the Sioux and whites is coming.Hampered by the violent death of a potential informant, and unfounded accusations of angry townspeople, Jeb realizes he's kicked over a hornet's nest he can't handle alone. He enlists the help of two aged mountain men, and a runaway slave to help him. If Jeb and his friends can't uncover some solid evidence of the banker's involvement, the town will have a full scale war on it's hands. Strong characters, suspense, and quick-paced non-stop action add strength to this already exciting series. As you've come to expect from W. R. Benton, this one's another page turner!