Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 497

About this issue

This 1887 Beadle and Adams weekly serial features "The Raiders: A Story of the Wild and Thrilling Life of William L. Taylor" by Col. Prentiss Ingraham, author of Buffalo Bill stories. The narrative follows eighteen-year-old Buck Taylor as he volunteers to join Captain Peter McNally's Rio Grande Rangers, a Texas cavalry unit patrolling dangerous territory near the Mexican border and hostile Indian lands. After Taylor arrives in unconventional dress with an old rifle and antiquated weapons, the Rangers initially mock him. He proves himself by defeating Sol Bradford, the band's strongest fighter, in hand-to-hand combat. Taylor subsequently demonstrates exceptional marksmanship and horsemanship, breaking in a wild bucking bronco. Captain McNally assigns him to capture wild horses from a river valley herd, particularly a prized roan stallion, offering supplies and mounts. Taylor declines, preferring his own small broncho and strategy over speed. His dog, named Vermifuge after ingesting the substance, and his horse, Snakeroot, complete his outfit.