Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 945

# Billy Bird's Bonanza

This 1895 Beadle and Adams weekly (Vol. XXXVI, No. 98) contains "Billy Bird's Bonanza" by William R. Eyster, author of "The Tie-to Sport" and "Faro Frank."

The opening chapters follow Billy Bird, a young desert scout, who discovers John Deming unconscious among corpses in the wasteland. After reviving him with water, Billy learns Deming's daughter Dora has vanished. Billy, a skilled tracker, discovers her trail leading toward distant hills. Deming initially refuses to leave the spot, fearing they'll miss each other, but Billy persuades him that following her tracks offers their best chance of reunion. As they journey toward water, a mirage appears showing Dora accompanied by an old bearded hermit heading toward a pool. The vision fades, but it gives Deming hope. The trio reaches an actual water source with grass, ending this section.