Beadle's Pocket Library No. 47

The Red Brotherhood: The Twelve Avengers, by W. J. Hamilton. This adventure serial follows the Delisle family, recently arrived in California from the South Sea Islands, who are pursued by members of the "Red Dukites"—a secret society named after a venomous serpent known for relentless pursuit of those who harm its kind. Oscar Delisle killed one of the Dukites in the islands, igniting vendetta. Despite escape attempts, the society has tracked the family to San Francisco and beyond to Tampa City. Walter Delisle encounters a mysterious Californian gentleman (identity unclear from OCR) who reveals knowledge of their persecution. The narrative involves confrontations with masked assassins, boat attacks, and threatening messages bearing the Dukite serpent symbol. Walter recounts these events on the gentleman's ranch, establishing the foundation for the ongoing adventure as the family seeks refuge while evading their deadly pursuers.