The plot of „’Hay-Wire’” is centering around a family ranch and settled town. Lynn Hayward is bitter and frustrated over the way his family’s ranch has fallen into disrepair through his vicious-tempered invalid father’s stinginess and willful neglect. Lynn reaches the pitch of resentment when he discovers that an apparently penniless old prospector, who’s been taking gifts and favors from the Haywards for years, is actually concealing a fortune in his cabin. Bower’s portrayal of Lynn’s struggles and gradual maturation, and of the tension and discord in his family, is convincing and compelling. One of many recommended Westerns by this prolific author.