Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1117

This September 1901 issue of the Beadle & Adams dime library contains "Merle, the Muddy; or, The Heir of an Ocean Freelance" by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, continuing a series featuring the character Merle. The serial narrative follows Montezuma the Merciless (a reformed buccaneer and Prince of Persia) and his wife Mildred fleeing Persia aboard the yacht *Nemesis* when Montezuma's jealous cousin Prince Kaluta attempts to separate them. During their escape, Mildred gives birth to their son at sea amid combat. Montezuma and his slave Mezrak battle pursuing Persian soldiers, then engage Kaluta's armed cruiser in naval gunfire while an approaching storm builds. The story combines adventure elements—sea chases, sword combat, naval battles—with romantic and melodramatic themes. The narrative emphasizes Montezuma's courage and his determination to protect his wife and newborn child from his rival's pursuit.