Beadle's Dime Library No. 819

This issue of Beadle & Adams's publication (1894) contains The Rival Monte Cristos, a serial by Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The narrative combines maritime adventure and family drama. It opens with Lieutenant Dunbar Kennon, recently discharged from the navy, attempting to recruit crew for his refitted pirate ship, the Rover Queen (formerly the Vampire). Superstitious sailors desert, but questionable recruits accept. Kennon has married Zulita, a woman rescued from pirates, infuriating his father, Captain Richard Kennon, who disinherits him in favor of Valerie Rossmore—Dunbar's former betrothed. The elder Kennon harbors remorse over an unstated past crime involving death by his hand. With his wife and servant Paul, Dunbar now seeks honest livelihood. The episode concludes as the Rover Queen ventures toward the Caribbean, where the narrative promises further complications involving "Mazula, a Sea King."