Beadle's Dime Library No. 705: Bantam Bob

Catalog Note *The Beauty from Butte; or, The Steer Buccaneers* by Jos. E. Badger, Jr., the featured serial in this Beadle & Adams dime novel, introduces Bantam Bob, a diminutive but fearless gunman from Butte. Bob encounters John Kenmuir and three armed companions seeking the Pea-vine Ranch, operated by Julius Payne. Despite Bob's sarcastic manner and outlandish appearance—red hair styled in a pompadour, a notably prominent nose, and protuberant eyes—he proves resourceful and knowledgeable about the territory. The narrative establishes conflict around cattle rustling allegedly perpetrated by the "Steer Buccaneers," which Payne's ranch may target. Bob claims Payne has grown wealthy despite stock losses. Kenmuir's purpose in seeking Payne remains cryptic as the story progresses toward the ranch-house, with tensions mounting between Kenmuir's practical objectives and Bob's garrulous, comedic evasions.