Beadle's Pocket Library No. 265

About this issue

By Charles Morris, this serialized adventure follows Billy, a peanut-and-gum-drop vendor for the Lightning Express railroad, after he falls from a moving train traveling forty miles per hour near Pittsburgh. Discovered injured in the road by Miss Claire Hamilton, a young woman of genteel family, Billy is taken to her home to recover. Despite his injuries—a lame hand, numerous cuts, and facial bruises—Billy displays characteristic wit and evasion, refusing to explain the circumstances of his fall while maintaining a cheerful, impudent manner toward his benefactors and their circle. The narrative introduces romantic tension through Claire's gentleman caller, whom Billy suspects is unsuitable, and features a street fight where Billy, despite being crippled and outnumbered four-to-one, holds his own against local toughs until rescued by George Howard, who proves to be connected to Miss Claire. Billy's recovery progresses while mysteries surrounding his accident remain deliberately obscured.