Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1100

# Dandy Dick's Dead-lock: The Last Round at Nip-'n'-Tuck

This installment, by Robert R. Inman (author of earlier "Dandy Dick" novels), concerns a mining camp mystery. Jerky Jake, a young man afflicted with chorea, stumbles upon seven robed figures in a glade performing a secret ceremony. They call themselves "the Invisible Seven" and vow to conduct clandestine operations without detection, with a captain leading by silent command. Jake reports this to the camp at Nip-'n'-Tuck, where the news causes excitement and speculation that the band may be Devil Duval's notorious outlaws. The story spreads through the saloon and town. However, Jake is found dead the next morning; Doctor Conrad determines death resulted from natural causes rather than foul play. The town becomes increasingly convinced of the Invisible Seven's existence and danger, prompting a public meeting to discuss action. The narrative establishes the town's two factions—an old guard led by Ham Stanton and newer residents led by Doctor Conrad—and introduces Marshal Simon Slow.