Beadle's Pocket Library No. 128

This issue of *Beadle and Adams*' dime novel features the opening of "Will Wildfire's Racer: Winning Against Odds" by Charles Morris, Part I of an ongoing series about the titled protagonist. The story begins at the Blue Bell Inn near Philadelphia, where sporting gentlemen—including the large Pierce Browning and others—discuss upcoming September races. Will Wildfire arrives on horseback to join the company, where he confidently announces his entry of Black Bess, a horse others dismiss as unpromising despite mysterious hints she possesses hidden qualities. The second chapter introduces Mark Preston and Luke, disreputable men with grievances against Will from prior encounters; Luke lost money and property in earlier conflicts. They conspire to exploit Will's confidence in his horse by encouraging heavy betting against Black Bess, believing the animal cannot win races. The narrative emphasizes their resentment while building tension around the upcoming races and Will's mysterious faith in his horse's capability despite its unprepossessing appearance.