Tombstone Dick: The Train Pilot / The Traitor's Trail

This issue of the pulp weekly contains Chapter II of "The Traitor's Trail," by Ned Buntline, a western serial set in Arizona Territory. The chapter opens in Tombstone with a stagecoach arriving ahead of schedule carrying a wounded express guard, Bill Meigs. Aboard are Mr. Conrad, a New York merchant, and his daughter Magdalena, who have come west after Conrad was ruined by his trusted employee Lew Mortimer—who burned Conrad's warehouse, forged checks, and fled, leaving a threatening letter. Conrad now plans to work his silver mines in the Santa Rita Range. Mine-owner Lem Hines introduces Conrad to Richard Hartman, called "Tombstone Dick," a half-breed scout of Cherokee and white ancestry, renowned for courage and honesty. Conrad proposes hiring Hartman as guide and escort to the mines, offering generous pay. Hartman departs to consult his mother before accepting, leaving Conrad determined to secure him.