Henry Carter Hull

A short story from one of the country's most-acclaimed and popular novelists James Lee Burke's story collection, JESUS OUT TO SEA.

Two restless young girls in "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" live out their last summer of innocence, riding ponies recklessly and spying on their boss.

Kissing his wife and daughter goodbye, Alex Mollan sets off to a secluded area in upstate New York for his montly fishing trip. His excitement is tempered, however, after hearing reports about a psychopathic killer stalking the shores he frequents. And when Alex takes a fall while hiking, he wonders about the intentions of the mysterious stranger who comes to his aid.

As summer draws to a close, a 12-year-old boy enjoys the nearby river in a rowboat he purchased with money his deceased parents left behind. When a new boarder comes to live in his home, he befriends the woman, while others keep their distance. Then, on the last day of summer, the boy and the woman embark on a final boat journey--with devastating consequences.

First published in a 1839 edition of Burton's Gentleman's Magazine, The Fall of the House of Usher is the story of the declining physical and psychological health of the residents of the House of Usher-and the way in which the house itself reflects that. Gothic in theme and style, the story is an exemplar of Poe's philosophy of composition, which dictates that literary works should be short, methodological, and have a unity of effect wherein all the...