Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 136

# The Outlaw Hunter; or, Red John, the Bush Ranger

Beadle & Adams, June 1, 1881

This serial, authored by Francis Johnson, begins with M'Donald's arrest at a settler's house in Australia. M'Donald, a gentleman favorably regarded by the Powell family—including the elder daughter Sarah—is suddenly revealed by Lieutenant Walker of the Colonial police to be Jack Loudon, an escaped convict and bush ranger. Walker produces evidence: the prisoner arrived on a stolen horse, left fifteen pounds as payment, and matches a fugitive Walker previously encountered. M'Donald confesses his identity but denies criminal guilt, claiming he was wrongly transported. The family expresses gratitude for his protection of Sarah from "worthless blacks," but Walker insists on duty. Mr. Powell offers bail and his word of honor for M'Donald's safe delivery to Sydney, though M'Donald refuses, unwilling to incur debt. Walker will depart at dawn with his prisoner. The narrative continues with Chapter II introducing Toby, the hut-keeper.