Beadle's Dime New York Library No. 426

*Beadle's Half Dime Library*, December 22, 1886 "The Spy of the Secret Service" by Jos. E. Badger, Jr., is the featured serial in this issue. The story concerns a band of armed mountaineers gathered in a glen, apparently engaged in illicit whiskey production. Their member Owen Tredgold has been arrested on a murder charge—the killing of revenue detective Pendy Rowell—and held for trial. Bion Barnave, a spy working for the group, reports that someone from their region is betraying their secrets to the authorities. Though rumors suggest Tredgold himself might be the informant, Barnave insists this is false. The mountaineers debate whether to rescue Tredgold immediately or allow the legal process to proceed first, with leader John Mahar arguing for patience and promising forcible rescue if conviction results. The narrative emphasizes themes of loyalty, treachery, and honor among the outlaw community. The issue includes an illustration titled "The Ghost Detective," suggesting supernatural or mysterious plot elements.