Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 906

# Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport

This Beadle and Adams publication (December 4, 1894) features "Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport; or, High Hustling at Silver City" by J. C. Cowdrick, author of "Broadway Billy" and "Sheriff Stillwood." The frontier adventure follows Sam Hoffman, a bicycle enthusiast who offers to carry urgent news from the wounded scout "Long-distance Hugh" to Fort Fenton after outlaws and Apaches attack Freeman. Hugh's horse is killed in the chase, but Sam volunteers to use his safety bicycle—fitted with pneumatic tires, rifle, and revolvers—to outrun pursuers across the plains. The scout doubts a bicycle can match horse speed, yet Sam proves faster, eluding six or eight pursuing Indians who fire as they chase him. General Fielding at the fort dispatches cavalry to his rescue, witnessing the thrilling pursuit through field glasses. Sam arrives safely and recounts the escape, revealing more outlaws threaten the mining camp and the commander's daughter.