Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 714

# "The Mystery of the Mountain League: A Strange Story of Southwest Colorado"

By William G. Patten, this serial installment from Beadle and Adams (March 1891) concerns Southern emigrants establishing Eden Vale in post-Civil War Colorado. Major Hugh Lakeman leads the settlement, accompanied by his daughter Ethna (accomplished, beautiful eighteen-year-old) and her friend Merry Maggie Renan. After gold is discovered, a mysterious white-bearded prophet appears, warning of the "Mystic League of the San Juan"—a dangerous band threatening the valley. He demonstrates supernatural ability by summoning a massive black bird with animal features. The Spaniard José Costillo, claiming prior encounters with the League, identifies the creature as a vampire-like "Winged Demon." When Costillo reacts with terror, skepticism spreads among settlers, though the prophet's fire begins burning atop a distant mountain crag as promised.