Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 783

Hustling Frisco Hoodlums This installment of William R. Eyster's serial follows Horace DeLangdon, a prosperous railroad magnate who has recently accumulated a quarter-million dollars through mining speculation in San Francisco. DeLangdon, formerly known as "Uncle Bedrock" and "Ragged Rufe"—a resourceful vagrant philosopher—is preparing to travel East to rejoin his family when he witnesses a brutal assault on a young stranger in Oakland. Intervening in the brawl, DeLangdon defeats three ruffians and befriends the victim, Lawrence Oldcort, who has arrived seeking to rescue a woman named Florence Chase from kidnappers. Oldcort's attackers were part of a criminal gang. Despite injuries from the beating, Oldcort enlists DeLangdon's help, offering to reimburse him. DeLangdon abandons his eastbound journey to pursue the case, recognizing an opportunity for the adventure he craves. The narrative shifts between Oldcort's wounded vulnerability and DeLangdon's capable, eager investigation of the mystery.