Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 546

Josh Peppermint's Ten Strike by Lieut. A. K. Sims is a Western action story featuring the titular pilgrim from Pan-out, Vermont, who arrives in Sierra City on a burro laden with tinware. After the burro wanders to the Sierra Saloon, Peppermint encounters Jakie Solomon, a notorious confidence man and gambler. Solomon, taking offense at Peppermint's naming the burro "Jakie," engages in gunplay, shooting through Peppermint's hat and coat. The confrontation escalates into a standoff where Peppermint, armed with an old pepperbox pistol, forces the humiliated Solomon to his knees begging pardon. Captain Cactus, an enigmatic newcomer distinguished by his elaborate cactus-adorned sombrero and Mexican-influenced attire, intervenes to prevent further bloodshed. Solomon challenges Cactus to a duel at twenty paces. Reddy Redfern, observing Peppermint, notes an uncanny resemblance to the long-dead Sydney Sheldon.