The Peon Prince

This Beadle and Adams dime novel, "The Peon Prince: or, Putnam Pomfret's Mexican Fortunes" by A.J.H. Duganne, is set in autumn 1845 Mexico. The opening chapter introduces a notorious brigand band camped at "Outlaw's Mount," a fortified mountain cave retreat. The story depicts the brigands' internal conflict when drunk Spaltro attempts to harass the young girl Berta, prompting Lopez to defend her. Their escalating quarrel nearly ends in violence until the band's authoritarian Captain intervenes. When both men refuse to reconcile, the Captain orders them to shake hands while he drinks wine, threatening death if they don't comply. When they fail, he executes Spaltro with a pistol shot. Only Berta's emotional plea saves Lopez from the same fate. The narrative establishes the Captain's ruthless leadership and sets up the broader adventure featuring protagonist Putnam Pomfret amid Mexican brigandage and upheaval.