Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 539

"The Ghouls of Galveston" by Edward L. Wheeler This serial installment opens with Deadwood Dick Jr., a renowned detective, arriving in Galveston, Texas at the request of attorney Horace Henshaw. Henshaw hires Dick to investigate an organized gang of grave-robbers plaguing the city's cemetery. Over six months, the criminals have systematically plundered tombs: stealing jewelry buried with a young woman, money from an old miser's coffin, clothing from the bodies of wealthy citizens, and silver fittings from expensive caskets—notably $1,500 worth of silver from the coffin of Henshaw's niece. The local police, led by Chief of Police, have kept the crimes quiet to avoid alerting the gang. Detective Gilbert Morey has been stationed at the cemetery without success. Dick agrees to take the case discreetly. The narrative introduces Henshaw's spendthrift son Harry and Detective Morey, then concludes as Dick prepares to investigate, planning to lodge at a boarding cottage run by Mrs. Blair.