Trail Blazers of the West #[nn]

In "Ambush at Bear Paw Creek!", a visit from Colonel Henry’s striking niece ignites tension at Fort Desolation, drawing unwanted attention from Arapaho scouts. When a soldier ventures into their territory for a bouquet, Lt Foley must intervene—leading to a tense standoff with Thundering Arrow and a sudden ambush that tests the fort’s resolve. As the dust settles, the niece finds herself the center of attention, with two suitors vying for her dance.

Ace Wright, determined to outwit the elusive Pow Wow Smith after being caught by his shadow, dives into forbidden knowledge of the frontier’s hidden lore. He seeks the power of the Shadow Belts to shield himself and masters the deadly magic arrows—weapons said to strike a man not through flesh, but by severing his shadow.

In "The Strange Signs at Saddle Rock!", a weary traveler named Wyoming rides into a frontier town where every shop and saloon bears his name—though he’s never been there before. The townspeople claim it’s a clever trick to scare off outlaws, but when Wyoming notices the signs are freshly painted, he begins to suspect the truth behind the ruse may be far darker than he imagined.

In "Target--Johnny Thunder," a determined Eastern woman sets her sights on the notorious Johnny Thunder, wagering that if he rescues her during the Pioneers Celebration, he’ll have to escort her—no escape. What begins as a daring chase across treacherous terrain, with cliffside rescues and narrow escapes from Sioux arrows, soon twists into a game of identity and disguise when Johnny hides as John Tane, the schoolmaster she scornfully overlooks. But when John unexpectedly defends the children from robbers, she finds herself choosing him—leaving Johnny Thunder to wonder if he’s truly outmaneuvered, or merely outplayed.