Deadwood Dick Library No. 23

Deadwood Dick's Bid for Liberty This issue of the *Dick Turpin Library* series features a serialized adventure narrative titled "Deadwood Dick's Bid for Liberty." The story opens with a mysterious lone horseman braving a mountain snowstorm near Leadville, entering a mining cabin where he discovers two miners disputing over allegedly stolen property; one shoots the other dead. The narrative then shifts to spring, following a stagecoach journey from Webster to Leadville carrying English passengers including Sir Noel Farnsworth, his brother Chandos, Lady Belle, Lady Farnsworth, and their servant. Driver Jack Fargett encounters the notorious road-agent Deadwood Dick and his gang, who halt the coach. Deadwood Dick, presenting himself as a "guardian of the trail" and unconventional banker, demands the passengers' valuables, promising their return via a token system in Leadville. He distinguishes himself from the more brutal Captain Hawk's bandits. After initial resistance, the passengers surrender their jewelry and money.