Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 246: Ben Bramble

"Ben Bramble, Hunter King of the Kanawha" by Henry J. Thomas This 1871 frontier adventure by Beadle and Adams opens in the Kanawha valley of Kentucky. A skilled hunter named Ben Bramble shoots a deer that tumbles toward siblings Harry and Mattie Allen, who are settling on their father's New Hope estate. Ben saves Harry from the wounded animal's attack, demonstrating his courage and marksmanship. The Allens recognize Ben from their time at White Sulphur Springs, where he admired Mattie's kindness during his illness. The narrative shifts to the Allen family's circumstances: Edward Allen, an educated Virginia gentleman, relocated west after financial ruin to avoid society's judgment. At the Springs, Mattie was romantically involved with Victor Carrington (now traveling in Europe), while Harry developed an attraction to Helen Templeman, daughter of a neighboring squire. A mysterious visitor named Isaac Forster arrives at New Hope on business with Mr. Allen. Ben, suspicious of Forster's shifty demeanor, warns Mr. Allen privately before disappearing into the winter night with his rifle and hunting dogs. The story's central intrigue begins to unfold.