Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 740

Catalog Note Ed. L. Wheeler's "The Moving Mystery at Mexican Mustang," serialized in this October 1891 Beadle and Adams dime novel, presents a mystery-adventure set in a remote mining camp. The story opens with the discovery of two bodies stabbed with crude iron daggers: first Hank Philps, then Pemberton Punk. When townspeople summon blacksmith Ben Hopson for questioning about the weapon's manufacture, he is himself struck down by a dagger before their eyes. Shortly after, Trim Travers meets the same fate. The victims shared a portent: each heard a "deathwatch" sound preceding their deaths. As panic grips the camp, townspeople barricade themselves in the Coffin Nails saloon while mayor Spring-heel Stephen and others debate the identity of an invisible assassin operating at close range.