The double-crossing of Dobie

In Short

The Double-Crossing of Dobie is a comedic epistolary novel by W. C. Tuttle, following the misadventures of Dobie Dalton, a cowboy with a knack for getting into trouble. Through a series of letters to his friend Hank, Dobie recounts his attempts to prove his innocence after being falsely accused of stealing a stagecoach. His schemes, often involving his relatives and a cast of colorful characters, lead to hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings. The novel is a lighthearted tale of friendship, family dynamics, and the absurdities of small-town life in the American West, offering a charming and entertaining read.

The Story

The Double-Crossing of Dobie is a comedic epistolary novel that follows the misadventures of Dobie Dalton, a cowboy with a penchant for getting into trouble. The story is told through a series of letters Dobie writes to his friend Hank, detailing his attempts to clear his name after being falsely accused of stealing a stagecoach.

Dobie begins by explaining his situation in Pyrites, where he is trying to avoid his stepmother, Vera, and her new husband. He meets Lord Cheston, Reggie, and together they decide to explore the city. Dobie's life takes a turn when he is accused of stealing the stagecoach, a charge he vehemently denies. He suspects his uncle, Gabe Galesburg, Emmeline's uncle, of being behind the accusation, as Gabe is a manipulative and scheming character.

Dobie's attempts to prove his innocence lead him into a series of comical situations. He hires a man named Devil Creek to drive the stagecoach, only to later discover that Devil Creek is actually a notorious outlaw named Dynamite Carson. Dobie's plan to capture Carson and claim the reward backfires when he is beaten by his uncle and accused of stealing the stagecoach himself.

Throughout the story, Dobie's relationship with his wife, Emmeline, is strained due to the accusations and his uncle's interference. Despite this, Dobie remains determined to clear his name and win back Emmeline's trust. He devises various schemes, including trying to find the lost stagecoach and confronting the outlaw, but each attempt ends in hilarious failure.

In one memorable incident, Dobie, thinking he has found the stagecoach, rides it into a river to prevent it from being taken back by the outlaws. However, he later learns that the stagecoach was never stolen and that his uncle had orchestrated the entire situation to teach him a lesson. Dobie's final confrontation with the outlaw, who turns out to be a detective, ends with him being beaten and humiliated.

Despite his misadventures, Dobie's resilience and humor shine through. He eventually takes a job as a barn-boss for his uncle, accepting his situation with a mix of resignation and hope. The novel concludes with Dobie reflecting on his experiences and his determination to move forward, even if it means dealing with his troublesome relatives.

How It Unfolds

Dobie's Arrival in Pyrites: Dobie writes to Hank about his new life in Pyrites, avoiding his stepmother and her husband, and meeting Lord Cheston. The Stagecoach Accusation: Dobie is falsely accused of stealing the stagecoach, and he suspects his uncle, Gabe Galesburg, of being behind the charge. Hiring Devil Creek: Dobie hires Devil Creek to drive the stagecoach, only to later discover that Devil Creek is actually the outlaw Dynamite Carson. Beaten by Uncle Gabe: Dobie is beaten by his uncle after trying to capture Carson and claim the reward. Attempts to Prove Innocence: Dobie devises various schemes to prove his innocence, including trying to find the lost stagecoach and confronting the outlaw. The River Incident: Dobie rides the stagecoach into a river to prevent it from being taken back by the outlaws, only to later learn that the stagecoach was never stolen. Final Confrontation: Dobie confronts the outlaw, who turns out to be a detective, and is beaten and humiliated. Acceptance and Reflection: Dobie takes a job as a barn-boss for his uncle, accepting his situation and reflecting on his experiences.

The People

Dobie Dalton: The protagonist, a cowboy with a knack for getting into trouble. He is determined to prove his innocence and win back his wife's trust, despite his uncle's interference and his own misadventures. Emmeline: Dobie's wife, who is initially skeptical of his claims of innocence. She is influenced by her uncle's manipulations but ultimately stands by Dobie. Gabe Galesburg: Emmeline's uncle, a manipulative and scheming character who orchestrates the stagecoach accusation to teach Dobie a lesson. Devil Creek/Dynamite Carson: The outlaw Dobie hires to drive the stagecoach, who turns out to be a notorious criminal. Hank: Dobie's friend, to whom he writes the letters detailing his misadventures. Hank serves as a confidant and sounding board for Dobie's schemes.

In Its Own Voice

Dobie's Reflection on His Situation:

"I reckon you’ll look at the top of this letter and say you’ll bet that Dobie is in a business in Pyrites, but, Hank, you are mistaken. If you know what rusticating is, that’s me."

Dobie's Plan to Capture Dynamite Carson:

"When he drives back here, we’ll put the deadwood on him and cash in on that thousand. What do you know about that?"

Dobie's Final Reflection:

"I’m going to take the job as barn-boss for Uncle Gabe. He said that a tired business-man ought to have a chance to recuperate and this employment will give my brain a rest."

What It's Really About

The Double-Crossing of Dobie is a humorous exploration of the absurdities of small-town life, family dynamics, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of perseverance, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Dobie's misadventures highlight the comedic potential of misunderstandings and the lengths people will go to in order to prove their innocence. The story also touches on the complexities of family relationships, particularly the challenges of dealing with manipulative relatives. Ultimately, the novel is a celebration of Dobie's unwavering optimism and his ability to find humor in even the most dire situations.

Why Read It Today

The Double-Crossing of Dobie is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys humor, adventure, and a touch of the absurd. The epistolary format adds a unique charm, allowing readers to experience Dobie's misadventures through his own witty and self-deprecating voice. The novel's portrayal of small-town life in the American West is both nostalgic and entertaining, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Dobie's resilience and optimism are inspiring, making him a relatable and endearing character. While the story is lighthearted, it also touches on deeper themes of friendship, family, and the importance of standing up for oneself. The novel's brevity and engaging narrative make it a perfect choice for a quick and enjoyable read, leaving readers with a smile and a newfound appreciation for the comedic potential of life's misadventures.