The Contract Surgeon: A NovelThis beautifully written historical novel from one of the West's most popular writers tells the true story of the friendship between Valentine McGillicuddy, a young doctor plucked from his prestigious medical career and newly married wife to serve in the army during the Great Sioux War, and the great chief Crazy Horse. When Crazy Horse finally agrees to surrender to the United States, mistrust and treachery on both sides foster further conflict, and he is gravely wounded. McGillicuddy declares the chief his patient and struggles through a long night to keep him alive. Set in the sprawling Great Plains during the most tragic period in its history, this tale of bravery, justice, and love weaves a tapestry of time and events into the account of a single day--the last in the life of Crazy Horse--to reveal the secrets surrounding America's past. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
adjutant's office asked battle began Black Hills blood buffalo Camp Robinson chest Cheyenne chief chloroform column Corporal Crazy Horse Crook Crow Custer Detroit Doctor door dressing eyes face Fanny Fanny's feel felt fight fingers fire grass hair hand hard head held High Wolf Holden Horse's hospital Indian inside Jesse Lee Johnny Johnny's kill knew Lakota laughed looked McGillycuddy McGraw medicine miles Miniconjous Missouri River morning morphine moved never night nodded Oglala parade ground Philo plains porch prairie Pressler pulled pushed Red Cloud Red Cloud's War River Schuyler seemed seen shook Shoshone side Sioux Sioux War Sitting Bull smiled soldiers spoke Spotted Tail stared Starvation March stood sure surgeon talk tell tepee thing thought told took Touch the Clouds travois tried troopers turned walked wanted warriors watched whiskey Willow Bear woman women wound