Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714

1891 · 16 pages

"The Mystery of the Mountain League: A Strange Story of Southwest Colorado" By William G. Patten, this serial installment from *Beadle and Adams* (March 1891) concerns Southern emigrants establishing Eden Vale in post-Civil War Colorado. Major Hugh Lakeman leads the settlement, accompanied by his daughter Ethna (accomplished, beautiful eighteen-year-old) and her friend Merry Maggie Renan. After gold is discovered, a mysterious white-bearded prophet appears, warning of the "Mystic League of the San Juan"—a dangerous band threatening the valley. He demonstrates supernatural ability by summoning a massive black bird with animal features. The Spaniard José Costillo, claiming prior encounters with the League, identifies the creature as a vampire-like "Winged Demon." When Costillo reacts with terror, skepticism spreads among settlers, though the prophet's fire begins burning atop a distant mountain crag as promised.

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 1 of 16 — 1 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 2 of 16 — 2 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 3 of 16 — 3 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 4 of 16 — 4 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 5 of 16 — 5 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 6 of 16 — 6 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 7 of 16 — 7 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 8 of 16 — 8 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 9 of 16 — 9 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 10 of 16 — 10 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 11 of 16 — 11 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 12 of 16 — 12 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 13 of 16 — 13 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 14 of 16 — 14 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 15 of 16 — 15 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714 — page 16 of 16 — 16 / 16