Beadle's Pocket Library No. 470

# The Ranger Detective; or, The Scalpless Hunter

This frontier adventure serial by Harry Hazard follows the frontiersman Caleb Rose, whose woodcraft allows him to overhear a conspiracy: a white renegade named Francis Brissot has hired the Miami chief Lean Bear and warriors to capture and kill Rose, then kidnap Rose's wife Esther and their children. Brissot seeks revenge for being rejected by Esther years earlier in favor of Rose, and for a beating Rose once inflicted. After Rose is discovered eavesdropping, a violent struggle ensues—he kills one attacker but is overwhelmed, shot, and bound. Brissot reveals his full plan: Rose will be executed by the Indians, Esther taken captive, and Brissot will marry her within the month. Despite his dire circumstances, Rose refuses to despair, resolving to die with dignity. The narrative breaks mid-scene as Lean Bear prepares to carry out the execution.