Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 528

# The Rival Ranchmen: A Romance of the Great Colorado Ranges

By Lieut. A. K. Sims

This serialized romance follows Paul Monckton and Gladys Garland, whose fathers—Colonel Miles Monckton and John Garland—are bitter rival ranchmen despite once being friends. Paul and Gladys have maintained secret correspondence during their enforced separation and now meet clandestinely at Pilot Rock. They discuss elopement, though Gladys urges patience, hoping time will reconcile their fathers.

The culprit behind the ranchers' enmity is revealed as Gabe Taylor, a scheming outsider who has manipulated both men. Taylor spies on the lovers' meeting and devises a manipulative plan involving his honest but simple son Zeke, falsely telling him that Gladys loves him and has rejected Paul. The narrative establishes the central conflict: genuine love thwarted by paternal opposition and external villainy.