Joaquin, the Terrible

This serialized Western story by Joseph E. Badger Jr. concerns Joaquin Murieta, a skilled gambler and gunfighter in 1880s San Francisco. In the opening chapter, Murieta enters the gambling hall "Wheel of Fortune," defeats the house at monte through apparent luck while remaining cool and vigilant. The proprietor, John Vanderslice, recognizes him and orders his henchman Pepe the Creeper—a repulsive, rat-like Mexican assassin—to rob and murder Murieta. Before Vanderslice can execute this plan, Murieta proposes a final enormous wager, stakes his entire winnings against a single card, wins decisively, and breaks the bank. As Murieta collects his gold, armed men move toward him, suggesting imminent violence. The narrative frames this as the beginning of Murieta's transformation from fortunate gambler to vengeful outlaw.