Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 104

1879 · 16 pages

Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross Edward L. Wheeler's western serial chronicles the machinations surrounding a dying miner's estate in Leadville, Colorado. David Howell, enfeebled and in severe pain, summons a mysterious stranger to his cabin via a veiled woman. The visitor reveals himself as Edward Harris, known as the notorious road-agent Deadwood Dick, supposedly recently lynched. Howell executes a will bequeathing his entire property—the Dead Pine Tract containing fifteen acres, the Howell carbonate mine, cabin, and shed—to Harris, along with guardianship of his young daughter Stella, currently held by his brother. Howell intends to spite his designing relatives by placing everything in Harris's hands. Harris accepts the charge, declaring he will defend the claim and protect the girl, while Howell produces deeds from a tin safe, warning that relatives will fight violently for ownership. The narrative emphasizes coming conflict over the mine's control.

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