Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 816

This issue of *Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Rival* (No. 816, March 14, 1898) features "Old Gideon's Wine-out" by Edward L. Wheeler, author of the Deadwood Dick novels. The story opens with a lone horseman confronted by armed men claiming he is the outlaw Deadwood Dick and intending to deliver him to their captain, "Dusky Dick" (the "Dark Dread"), though the rider denies this identity. The narrative shifts to introduce Gideon G. Gripes, leader of an emigrant band en route to the mining camp Bank Garden seeking gold. When guards block their passage on Dusky Dick's orders, Gideon's party turns the tables, disarming and capturing the sentries. They proceed to Bank Garden, where Dusky Dick—a Spanish-born outlaw terrorizing the Southwest—confronts them. Gideon announces his band's intention to settle permanently in the camp despite Dusky Dick's threats.