Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 381

This issue of Beadle's Half Dime Library (November 11, 1884) features "Bandera Bill; or, Frio Frank to the Front," the second part of a serial by "Buckskin Sam" (Major Sam S. Hall). Set in 1860s Texas, the story follows young William "Bandera Bill" Bancroft and his friend Frank "Frio Frank" Forbes, who become entangled in a conflict with Apache war parties. The narrative centers on the danger to Bill's sister Bertie and their ranch when Lone Wolf's Apache band, led by the scout Red Wolf, closes in. Chiota, a friendly Creek chief with his wife Dancing Fawn, arrives providentially to rescue Bertie from a snake and bear before helping defend against Apache raids. The spies and escalating violence set up the capture of Bertie and Dancing Fawn by the Apache party, with Frank Forbes deeply invested in their rescue, having developed feelings for Bertie through her brother's descriptions.