Beadle's Dime Library No. 656

Catalog Description This issue contains the opening installment of "The Last Stroke of the Land Sharks" by William G. Patten, a western adventure serial. The narrative begins with a French duel between two Americans—a beardless youth and a mustachioed man—where the older duelist, who seduces the youth's girlfriend Antoinette to exploit his wealth, is accidentally killed when his foot slips during combat. The story then shifts to the town of Jericho, where Four Ace Frank, a black-bearded stranger from San Francisco, learns of beautiful Zoe—the blind daughter of a miner—who is engaged to young Jack Howard, a former outlaw sympathizer. The surviving members of the "Land Sharks" gang have vowed vengeance against Howard. Frank, impressed by Zoe's beauty and voice, declares his intention to win her from Howard and remove any man blocking his path. The old miner Plug Ugly warns him against interference, but Frank departs only to recognize Jack Howard passing in the street, suggesting prior acquaintance despite his denial.