Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 890

1894 · 16 pages

This 1894 Beadle and Adams pulp weekly contains "The Trump-Card Detective: Old Nat Hicks in New York," a serial titled "A Story of Messenger 999" by Jo Pierce. The narrative follows Ace High (real name Asa High), a street-smart messenger boy, who delivers a note to Mulgraff's poolroom—a front for illegal horse-race betting. There he encounters Harry Tildrake, a young man and son of an honest policeman, who is heavily intoxicated and gambling recklessly. After losing his wager on the mare High Boots through manipulation by the conniving Herman Brown, Harry faces financial ruin and desperation. Ace attempts to help but is rebuffed. The story depicts the moral corruption of urban vice, focusing on gambling addiction, alcohol, and the predatory exploitation of naive youth by experienced con men in turn-of-the-century New York.

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