Beadle's Dime Library No. 603

This Beadle & Adams dime novel (dated May 14, 1890) features the serialized Western story "The Strange Pilgrimage of Gentle Jack," by Wm. R. Eyster, author of other Western tales including "Pinnacle Pete" and "Fresh Frank." The narrative follows John Armstrong, nicknamed "Gentle Jack" for his characteristic short, pleasant laugh, who is expelled from Oro Gulch by vigilantes on suspicion of cheating at cards, despite lack of firm evidence. Accompanied by his loyal Irish employee Barney Kane, Armstrong heads southward. The pair encounters a young woman on a mule traveling in Mexican dress, whose animal inexplicably attaches itself to their party. At the cross-roads ahead, both protagonists spot armed men from Oro lying in wait, apparently intending to pursue Armstrong and reclaim his winnings by force. Armstrong maintains calm composure, assuring the woman of his protection while acknowledging the uncertainty of the impending conflict.