The Scalped Hunter

This issue of a Beadle and Adams dime novel presents "The Scalped Hunter; or, The Young Ranger's Mission," by Harry Wazard, a frontier adventure tale set among the Miami Confederacy. The narrative opens with experienced hunter Caleb Rose, a powerfully built frontiersman, discovering a conspiracy in the forest. He overhears a white renegade named Francis Brissot negotiating with Miami chief Lean Bear to kill Rose and capture his wife Esther, offering rifles, powder, blankets, and liquor as payment. Brissot reveals personal motives: Rose's wife rejected his suit in favor of Rose, and Rose previously beat him. During the violent confrontation that follows, Rose fights the outnumbered group but is ultimately captured after being shot. Bound and at the mercy of his enemies, Rose faces imminent execution while Brissot taunts him with plans to seize his wife and children.