Beadle's Pocket Library No. 283

About this issue

This serial by Edward Willett follows events in the mining camp of Chuckaluck. Two newcomers, Charley Manson and Tom Ross, encounter a rigged faro game at John Burke's saloon. When Manson accuses Burke of cheating, Burke shoots him fatally across the table. Despite clear evidence, a camp jury acquits Burke, regarding the accusation as sufficient provocation. Three months later, the arrival of the beautiful Miss Belle Bush causes sensation throughout the camp. Bush establishes herself by purchasing land adjacent to Burke's establishment and building an ornate house christened "The Chromo," which she operates as a cigar and tobacco shop. Her presence civilizes the rough camp, but simultaneously introduces discord as multiple citizens—Higgins, Aylward, Andersen, and Simmons—compete for her affection, all rejected. The narrative promises developing complications.