Riders of the Purple Sage · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey.

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Chapter 1
Lassiter
Jane Withersteen, a wealthy Mormon woman in Cottonwoods, is confronted by Elder Tull and his men for befriending a Gentile rider named Venters. Tull intends to whip Venters and drive him out of Utah. As Jane prays for help, a mysterious rider appears from the sage. The stranger, revealed to be the notorious gunman Lassiter, intervenes and defies Tull, declaring that Venters will stay. The chapter establishes the conflict between Jane's compassion and the rigid authority of her church, and introduces Lassiter as a figure of justice and protection.
Chapter 2
Cottonwoods
Jane Withersteen offers hospitality to Lassiter, a mysterious rider who saved her friend Venters from Tull's men. Lassiter reveals he seeks the grave of Milly Erne, Jane's beloved friend. Despite the tension with the Mormon community, Jane defies convention by inviting both Lassiter and the outcast Venters to supper. The chapter explores Jane's beauty, her conflicted loyalty to her church, and the growing threat from Tull and Bishop Dyer.
Chapter 3
III: Amber Spring
Venters and Lassiter discuss the story of Milly Erne, a woman who was broken by the Mormon community after her child was stolen. They visit Amber Spring, a beautiful oasis that sustains Jane Withersteen's estate. Venters recounts his own history and his growing conflict with Tull, while Lassiter reveals his past acquaintance with Oldring. The chapter ends with Venters observing the tense atmosphere in Cottonwoods and reflecting on the looming storm over Jane.
Chapter 4
IV: Deception Pass
Venters, driven by a conviction that his life is changing, sets out to find Oldring's retreat in Deception Pass. He takes the horse Wrangle and his dogs Ring and Whitie. Before leaving, Judkins arrives wounded, reporting that rustlers have stolen Jane Withersteen's red herd and that her riders have disappeared. Venters suspects a conspiracy involving Tull and the Mormon Church. He follows the cattle trail into the pass, determined to uncover the truth.
Chapter 5
The Masked Rider
Venters shoots a rustler and discovers the Masked Rider is a young woman. He tends to her wounds and brings her to his hidden camp, grappling with guilt and the revelation of Oldring's secret cattle range.

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Lassiter

Cottonwoods

III: Amber Spring

IV: Deception Pass

The Masked Rider