Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813

1893 · 16 pages

Billy, the Bell-Boy Detective This Beadle and Adams weekly (February 21, 1893) opens "Billy, the Bell-Boy Detective" by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, known for adventure serials. The narrative begins with actor Henry E. Dixey (the "Adonis") discovering stolen diamonds entrusted to him by a friend. New York's police chief cannot solve the case and recommends Dick Doom, a renowned young detective from New Orleans whose identity is shrouded in mystery. When an elegantly veiled female visitor arrives at Dixey's hotel rooms, she claims to be a female detective. She reveals herself and produces a letter from Dick Doom—then astonishes Dixey by unveiling herself as Dick Doom, displaying multiple ornate badges of office including one suspended from miniature "Golden Fetters." Dixey, initially skeptical, accepts her expertise. Doom proposes to hear the full account of the theft, setting the stage for the investigation.

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 1 of 16 — 1 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 2 of 16 — 2 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 3 of 16 — 3 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 4 of 16 — 4 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 5 of 16 — 5 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 6 of 16 — 6 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 7 of 16 — 7 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 8 of 16 — 8 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 9 of 16 — 9 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 10 of 16 — 10 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 11 of 16 — 11 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 12 of 16 — 12 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 13 of 16 — 13 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 14 of 16 — 14 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 15 of 16 — 15 / 16

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 813 — page 16 of 16 — 16 / 16