Beadle's Dime Novels No. 60

This serialized story by Mrs. M. V. Victor, author of "The Gold Hunters" and "Maum Guiza," depicts a dramatic frontier trial in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Young William Wood, son of a Methodist minister known for exemplary character and industry, faces execution for stealing two gray carriage horses from Squire Ringgold. The chief witness, Dan Smith—a trader with partial Indian heritage and frequent visitor to the Squire's house—testifies that he saw Wood with the horses at midnight. Squire Ringgold confirms the theft and notes the horses would obey only a familiar voice. Sallie Ringgold, the Squire's daughter, testifies reluctantly, hearing Wood return at five a.m., yet declares her belief in his innocence. Wood claims he was raccoon hunting and that Smith stole his stable key. A mysterious tall stranger in hunter's costume observes from the doorway. The hostile frontier crowd demands swift punishment as horse-thieving has plagued the settlement.