Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 141

This pulp Western adventure serial by Joseph E. Badger, Jr., follows the deception aboard a stagecoach traveling to Red Rock. Two passengers—young gentleman Reuben Baker and the physically imposing Judge Bruno—discuss finding a fugitive named Elisha Danwood, possibly known as "Old Neb," a reformed drunk and former outlaw. As the coach ascends a mountain pass, road-agents ambush them. Driver Dandy Briggs heroically whips his horses forward to escape. Inside, Baker prepares to fight, but Judge Bruno unexpectedly clubs him unconscious, revealing his treachery. Bruno then shoots and kills the honest Briggs. The coach, now driverless, careens uncontrollably down a steep descent at breakneck speed. The resourceful Judge Bruno, displaying unexpected courage, forces open the door, climbs onto the roof, and attempts to reach the reins—demonstrating that his earlier cowardice masked murderous calculation.