Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 577

This second edition of Beadle and Adams' pulp weekly (Vol. XXII, No. 577, August 14, 1888) contains "Mrs. Jingle's Suspicious Lodger" by Jo Pierce, detective writer, opening with "Looking for a Swindler." Street boys Pavement Pete and Jakey witness a confrontation between Jan Jung, an Amsterdam-born Dutch immigrant, and office proprietor Edmund Halpin. Jung seeks $300 allegedly swindled six months prior by Daniel Markin, who sold him non-existent Florida land. Halpin, who claims recent occupancy, insists he is not Markin and offers proof via Police Headquarters meeting. Jung, immigrated five years prior and widowed, sold his Herkimer County farm and lost his entire savings to the land scheme. Officer Bushley confirms the land-office existed but doubts Jung has the right man. Pete attempts intervention; Halpin grows increasingly hostile at Jung's suspicions of flight.