Blue Ribbon Western, June 1948

Disaster Trail by Al Cody This issue features "Disaster Trail," a novel-length western by Al Cody centered on post-Civil War Texas. Alamo Sage returns to find Cherry Vegas leading a desperate cattle drive northward—six thousand head bound for Missouri to escape starvation following the war's devastation. The narrative opens with Sage's arrival at Rio Ranch, where Cherry has organized the ambitious drive despite risks from renegades and carpetbagger-controlled towns blocking their passage. The issue also contains short fiction: "Gallows Gold" by Rex Whitechurch (the true story of outlaw Wild Jim Banker); "A Disciple of Koo-Poo" by Floyd Day; and "Judgment" by Arthur Leo Zagat about John Rand facing justice for poor decisions. "The Real West" column includes a piece titled "Man of Mystery" by Lee Thomas. Robert W. Lowndes serves as editor. Published bi-monthly by Columbia Publications, 1948.