Diamond Dick Jr., No. 600

# Museum Catalog Entry

This issue of Diamond Dick, Jr.—The Boys' Best Weekly (No. 600, April 11, 1908) features the opening serial "Diamond Dick's Slashing Blow; or, A Close Call in the Big Ditch" by the author of Diamond Dick.

The story concerns eighteen-year-old Al Burton, newly appointed superintendent of a canal construction project in Alberta near the Rocky Mountains, and the hardened laborers working there. Two workers, Carson and Bud Crowle—suspected of past crimes including robbery and murder—plot to intimidate the inexperienced young superintendent by causing a steam-shovel accident. Their interference is foiled by Diamond Dick, revealed as a United States marshal acting as Al's assistant. Dick discovers that Carson and Crowle are planning to steal the pay-roll, which is being held at the camp. With assistance from Tony Rodero and Aunt Lucinda, Diamond Dick and Al prepare to defend against the anticipated robbery. The narrative includes period workplace detail and frontier dialogue.