Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 531

About this issue

The Toll-Takers of Colorado, by William G. Patten, is a Western adventure serial set in the mining camp of Roaring Bend during Colorado's early boom days. The featured protagonist is Martin Reno, a mysterious resident whose frequent unexplained absences have aroused suspicion among the miners. The camp faces predation by a notorious band of road agents led by "Scarlet Mask," who wears a bright red mask and rides a white horse, commanding considerable daring and violence. After a dramatic raid rescuing captured outlaws, Scarlet Mask leaves a defiant message challenging detectives and promising death to any who pursue him. At a town meeting, Reno sparks enthusiasm by proposing a $500 reward for Scarlet Mask's capture. Later, a dying outlaw staggers into a saloon and—before expiring—accuses Reno of being Scarlet Mask in disguise. The miners immediately draw weapons on Reno, who maintains his innocence and refuses surrender, backing against the wall with drawn revolver as the confrontation intensifies.