The Deadwood Dick Library, Vol. IV, No. 48

This issue of the Half-Dime Library (No. 48, February 7, 1900) contains Edward L. Wheeler's serialized story "Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent." The narrative opens in late May on a prosperous prairie homestead belonging to Bill Blake, who has recently defeated the corrupt sheriff "Owl-Eye" in an election. The household includes Blake's mother, his young daughter Nell, an unrelated orphan girl Maude, and Mary Monk, a kind farmhand harboring romantic feelings for Blake. Blake has not returned from election business, causing concern. The story shifts to Owl-Eye gathering a band of ruffians in a gully near the homestead, plotting revenge for his electoral defeat and a street altercation with Blake. He announces his intention to raid the Blake home while Blake is absent, knowing only women and children remain. A mysterious horseman gallops across the prairie toward the house as violence looms.