Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 257: Table, the Trailer

Tahle, the Trailer; or, The Block-House Published by Beadle and Adams (1861), this frontier narrative follows George Dulland, an affable, talkative hunter, and Tahle, a taciturn Shawnee Indian, as they await a boat's arrival on the Ohio River. The men have forged an unlikely bond: Dulland saved Tahle from execution during frontier conflicts, and Tahle later reciprocated by rescuing Dulland from torture. Now united as frontier scouts for white settlements, they observe Indian war preparations. Tahle reports observing enemy campfires and describes a skirmish in which he killed two pursuers while being grazed by a rifle bullet. The narrative emphasizes contrasts between Dulland's frank, jovial temperament and Tahle's reserved, moody nature, while depicting their mutual loyalty and collaborative vigilance. The story establishes frontier conflict, Indian-white relations, and anticipation of impending danger as central themes.