Beadle's Pocket Library No. 254

# Black Hills Ben; Dutch Jan on the War-Path

By Major Lewis W. Carson

This serial adventure opens in the Black Hills region, featuring Daniel Crowley, a young hunter, who awakens the slovenly Dutch immigrant Yost Hoppen from sleep by a stream. Hoppen has fled St. Joseph, Missouri after disputes over beer-tax regulations, intending to reach California. Despite initial language-barrier friction, the two meet at a trapper's camp containing several guides and hunters, including the contentious Jeff Rooter.

After Rooter challenges Hoppen to a wrestling match—an "initiation" rite—the Dutchman unexpectedly defeats him, earning Rooter's respect. Later, when Jeff and Hoppen test their rifle marksmanship on distant turkey-buzzards, the apparently incompetent Hoppen makes an impressive long-distance shot, killing a bird in flight. This demonstrates concealed skill, suggesting Hoppen is not the bumbling character he pretends.