Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 68

This issue of Beadle & Adams (May 21, 1879) features "The Fighting Trapper: Kit Carson to the Rescue," by Captain J. F. C. Adams. The narrative follows young George Summerfield, a hunter traveling alone across the Nebraska prairie after becoming separated from his trapping party. Tormented by thirst on the barren landscape, he discovers a grove with fresh water but is suddenly fired upon by a hidden marksman. The shooter reveals himself as Vic Vannoven, an experienced trapper and hunter who fires warning shots as greeting to strangers. Despite the hostile introduction, the two men form an alliance. Summerfield explains he lost his three companions during a chase roughly forty miles distant; Vannoven reveals they're actually much closer. The men decide to seek out Summerfield's party together that evening, with Vannoven's horse and dog as companions.