Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1128

About this issue

This adventure serial follows Julian Adams, a fifteen-year-old orphan recently bereaved of his mother, who resolves to journey to India to find his uncle, Captain James Kidd. After his mother's death leaves him alone with a cottage, modest savings of two hundred dollars, and family property, Julian packs his belongings—including his mother's Bible containing his funds—and departs his home. Confronted by Squire Lawson, who claims guardianship, Julian asserts his right to choose his own guardian and selects the elderly sailor Benny Haven instead. Julian visits Haven's seaside cabin, where he encounters Maggie Lawson, the squire's daughter, and bids her farewell with a kiss before announcing his departure to India. Haven offers financial assistance, which Julian refuses, instead requesting Haven serve as his guardian and oversee his property during his absence. The narrative establishes Julian's quest to locate his uncle through shipping offices in New York as his first step.