The New York Dime Library, No. 1096

This 1890 Beadle & Adams pulp magazine features the opening chapters of "The Mad Magician" by Captain Fred. Whittaker. The story is set in El Paso after the American Civil War, where soldiers from both armies gather at tavern-keeper Don Jago D'Obrino's establishment. An American Regiment is being formed to support Mexican Republicans against Maximilian. The central attraction becomes the spectacular magic show of Doctor Satan, a performer who adopts a devilish appearance and demonstrates seemingly impossible illusions—making a canary vanish and mesmerizing a boy named Albert into a trance state. Colonel Brooke, the regiment's commander, exhibits shock at Albert's appearance. The narrative blends military action, supernatural showmanship, and mystery as Doctor Satan performs increasingly elaborate illusions, with both the hardened soldiers and superstitious Mexican onlookers reacting with wonder and dread.