Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 857

Spotter Bob in New York: The Man from Wayback This Beadle and Adams dime novel by William G. Patten follows young street vendor "Spotter Bob," a sixteen-year-old fakir selling collar buttons and cuff supporters near a New York Elevated station. Recognizing the criminal Budge Farrel among the crowds, Bob shadows him to discover Farrel is meeting a pale, silent stranger from the West seeking someone named "Black Dirk" or "Walt Dirk," a gambler. Following the two men through a saloon and restaurant, Bob boards the same elevated train car. When Farrel attempts to murder the stranger by hurling him over the platform gate, Bob intervenes with a punch, knocking the ruffian down. Bob helps the silent man back to safety; the stranger produces a revolver but restrains himself. Farrel flees before police arrive. The grateful stranger shakes Bob's hand warmly, acknowledging the boy's courage.