Beadle's Dime Novels No. 96: Little Moccasin

About this issue

This issue contains three serials from Beadle's Dime Novels (1866). "The Doomed Hunter" by James L. Bowen follows a brave young man hunted to near-death by settlers who believe him guilty of a foul crime, aided by "a true daughter of the forest." "Beadle's Dime Book of Fun, No. 3" collects humorous pieces and witticisms attributed to Josh Billings, plus joking stories. The primary content is "Little Moccasin: Along the Madawaska" by John Neal, set in Maine's lumber camps during winter 1863-64. The narrative opens with lumbermen gathered around a fire during a severe snowstorm, telling ghost stories and tales of Indian warfare and moose-hunting. Tension builds when Dave Perry reacts mysteriously to learning the date is December 29th, staring intensely at Major Dyer until Captain Gage intervenes. The crew's joking and nervous atmosphere reflects their fear of the heavy snow crushing their camp roof.