Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 29

This issue of Beadle's Half-Dime Library presents the opening of "The Doge's Daughter," a historical adventure serial by Frederick Whittaker. Set in Venice, the narrative introduces Don Lorenzo Bellario, a wealthy Spanish nobleman renowned for his beauty, skill with weapons, and romantic conquests. The story opens at a ball at the Foscari palace, then follows Don Lorenzo's mysterious departure by gondola with a disguised companion—a mute page who is revealed to be a devoted young woman named Annetta. Despite her warnings of danger, Don Lorenzo proceeds to serenade Julia Dandolo, the daughter of a powerful Venetian family, from a canal-side balcony. Their tryst is interrupted when armed assailants in a competing gondola attack. Don Lorenzo draws his sword in defense, but is overwhelmed, subdued with a black cloak thrown over his head, and kidnapped by masked men.