Irony of the savior
The eponymous character is the white knight of this tale as he breaks his isolation to save the Rayner sisters. He succeeds at protecting them from the gang of outlaws, but the conflict does not cease there. As the tale continues more heroes come at the rescue of the sisters once they possess the ranch. Dale is the protagonist and a hero but Las Vegas is portrayed as the typical cowboy hero during a conformation with the outlaws. Ironically, he has the final standoff with Beasley, wins the duel and saves the day. Besides Las Vegas, Bo is also rescued by Jim Wilson after he develops feelings for her.
Dale preempts the plan
The tale of the cowboy versus the outlaws typically involves the hero taking action after the crime has occurred. However, in the story the man of the forest overhears the outlaws’ plan before they could execute it. Ironically Dale manages to save the sisters before the gang could actually undertake the plan.
Riggs kidnaps Bo
The Anson Gang fail at their initial plan after Dale sidetracks their plans after overhearing their conversation. The second attempt at kidnapping takes place after Helen refuses Beasley’s hand in marriage. Beasley order her kidnapping however Riggs in union with the gang kidnaps Bo instead of her elder sister. Moreover, he does not reveal this information to the gang until later on before Beasley revokes their agreement.
Al’s change of heart
Before Dale takes the task of saving the sisters he tries to warn their uncle who has accrued many enemies over time. Nonetheless, he is indifferent to the information and does not take any action to save his nieces. Following Dale’s heroic move to protect the girls till their safety is guaranteed alters Uncle Al’s attitude. Moreover he offers to give Dale the chance to live in and protect the ranch.
Irony of loyalty
The antagonists in the novel are not simply portrayed as evil outlaws out to cause chaos. Within the Anson gang it is revealed some members have their own agendas as they grapple with morality and loyalty. Their associate Riggs has prior involvement with Helen hence his loyalty is compromised by his own inclinations. Furthermore, Jim Wilson kills Riggs due to his feelings for Bo which showcases his quandary as one of her captors.
