Harris is best known for his biographies of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw, but he was also a prolific short story writer. Elder Conklin and Other Stories is his first collection of short stories, and it was well-received by critics. The stories are praised for their realism, vivid characters, and suspenseful plots.The title story, "Elder Conklin," is a coming-of-age story about a young man who learns about life and death on the American frontier. "The Sheriff and His Partner" is a story about two lawmen who must track down a dangerous outlaw. "A Modern Idyll" is a story about a young woman who falls in love with a man from a different social class. "Eatin' Crow" is a story about a man who must learn to accept his mistakes. "The Best Man in Garotte" is a story about a man who must choose between two friends. "Gulmore, the Boss" is a story about a man who rises to power through hard work and ruthlessness.Elder Conklin and Other Stories is a classic collection of American short stories that is still enjoyed by readers today. The stories are well-written and entertaining, and they provide a glimpse into the American West of the late 19th century.