James Oliver Curwood was an early 20th century writer who lived in Michigan, where he published several novels a year. Curwood loved the outdoors and is known for his conservation efforts. Isobel: a Romance of the Northern Trail was written in 1913. An excerpt from this action novel reads, " Billy's mind worked rapidly as he bent more determinedly to the pursuit. He knew that there were only two things that Bucky could do under the circumstances. Either he would follow after him with Walker and the driver or he would come alone. If Walker and Conway accompanied him the fight for Scottie Deane's capture would be a fair one, and the man who first put manacles about the outlaw's wrists would be the victor. But if he left his two companions in camp and came after him alone."