Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1148

# "The Raiders in Transels: A Story of the Wild and Thrilling Life of William L. Taylor"

This serial adventure, authored by Col. Prentiss Ingraham (known for Buffalo Bill narratives), features Buck Taylor, an eighteen-year-old volunteer joining a band of Texas Rangers under Captain Peter McNally near the Rio Grande. After a stranger's arrival sparks ridicule, Buck proves himself by besting Sol Bradford, the band's strongest man, in hand-to-hand combat. He subsequently demonstrates superior marksmanship and horsemanship, taming an unrideable bronco. Captain McNally tasks Buck with capturing wild horses from a nearby herd, particularly a legendary roan stallion, offering superior mounts. Buck, equipped with his undersized horse Snakeroot, his aged weapons, and his unusual dog Vermifuge (named after accidental poisoning), accepts the challenge. The narrative emphasizes frontier combat skills, ranger life, and Buck's resourceful, fearless character.