Western Hero #77

When a professor unearths a prehistoric horse bone worth ten thousand dollars in the hills near Twin River, the discovery attracts the attention of a corrupt gang—and brings Sheriff Hopalong Cassidy into the fight to protect both the find and the scientist who made it. As the gang's schemes grow increasingly desperate and deadly, Hopalong must outwit a ruthless adversary willing to kill to claim the valuable fossil.

Monte Hale investigates a supernatural mystery when the supposedly dead Johnston Brothers begin robbing and terrorizing the frontier once more—only to discover that living men have been impersonating the notorious outlaws to prey on a town gripped by superstitious fear. With the imposters holding hostages and the sheriff afraid to act, Monte must use his wits and quick draw to expose the truth before the masquerade turns deadly.

When Gabby Hayes's attempt to rescue Fred from the cliff dwellings goes sideways, he finds himself trapped with Ellie, young Tippy Ryan, and Fred at the mercy of the outlaw Sidewinder Hogan—who's determined to use his "guests" to solve his mounting problems. Armed with nothing but grease, pebbles, a water basin, and his wits, Gabby must outmaneuver a ruthless criminal and a genuine nest of rattlers to save the day. A rip-roaring 1949 tale that proves sometimes the dumbest plan is the cleverest one of all.

When Young Falcon discovers a mysterious Indian girl named Little Star hiding in the woods, her fearful refusal to explain herself intrigues him—especially after he learns she's been accused of stealing valuable pelts from her tribe. Using his keen observation of her strength, Young Falcon works to prove her innocence before the tribal chief, but clearing her name is only the beginning of a larger mystery. Now he must stay with the tribe and hunt down the real thief, knowing that someone strong enough to carry heavy bundles away in silence is still at large.

Cactus Brain spends the day hunting, missing shot after shot and emptying his rifle without success. When he spots another bird, he decides to take a crack at it—unloaded rifle and all, reasoning that the bird won't wait around for him to reload.

A drifter named Shifty gets drawn into a crooked scheme when a charming stranger offers him easy money, but when violence erupts and an innocent man dies, Shifty's conscience forces him to turn his life around—only to discover that his new path as a lawman puts him face-to-face with his former accomplice, who's counting on their old friendship to keep him safe. Tom Mix watches from the sidelines as Shifty's past and present collide in this tale of redemption tested by temptation.

In "Blackmail," a man haunted by a past crime finds his attempt at redemption shattered when the very murderer he helped escape returns with a threat: expose him or face the consequences. Torn between fear and guilt, he must navigate a dangerous game where every choice could unravel what little peace he’s managed to build.