Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1110

About this issue

This February 1901 issue of a New York pulp magazine features "Roaring Ralph Rockwood: The Reckless Ranger" by Harry St. George. The opening chapters establish an action-driven Western narrative involving the titular ranger fleeing mysterious pursuers across the Colorado prairie during a nighttime gunfight. Ralph, an expert marksman and skilled rider, escapes capture despite being surrounded. The story then shifts to a wagon train encamped on the prairie transporting gold, guarded by fourteen armed men. Major Handy, a young soldier, investigates strange whistling signals around the camp and suspects a gang called the "Prairie Pests" plans to raid them. Arkansaw, the hairy-faced guide, is revealed as a traitor secretly signaling to outlaws including Arizona Dave, coordinating an imminent attack on the wagon train and its valuable cargo. The narrative builds suspense through clandestine meetings and conflicting agendas within the camp.