A Harte, Bret 1836-1902 creator text utu 2006 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "A Waif of the Plains" by Bret Harte is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the context of the American frontier, focusing on the travels and experiences of two children, Clarence and Susy, as they embark on a journey across the plains in an emigrant wagon heading toward California. The book explores themes of survival, companionship, and the innocence of childhood set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of pioneer life. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Clarence, an orphan traveling with the Silsbee family, and Susy, the young daughter of the family's leader. As the wagon train makes its way through the monotonous yet treacherous terrain, Clarence navigates his feelings of displacement and dependency. The children engage in innocent play, but their world is abruptly shattered when they find themselves lost and separated from the train. As they strive to return to safety, the children confront the dangers of the frontier, including tensions with Native Americans and the trauma of loss, culminating in a deeply transformative experience that shapes their journey and character development throughout the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2006-05-14 Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger Original publication data not identified Frontier and pioneer life -- United States -- Fiction Overland journeys to the Pacific -- Fiction PS Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2279 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2279 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133056.0 2279