Lash La Rue Western #56

When a mysterious visitor arrives in Sockeye Valley under the nickname "the King," two outlaws see a chance to make a fortune by kidnapping him—unaware that the real target is far more complicated than a simple ransom. As Lash La Rue investigates a series of strange events, he finds himself racing against time to protect the man everyone thinks is a royal guest, while the true identity of the King remains hidden.

A newly arrived stranger is surprised to learn the town is miles from the train depot, prompting a local to offer a ride for fifty cents—only to reveal the depot’s remote location was intentional. The humor unfolds as the newcomer grapples with the absurdity of the setup, while the local insists the arrangement makes perfect sense.

In a small frontier town, the self-proclaimed "honest man" Ban Foney campaigns for mayor with grand promises, only to be challenged by the sharp-tongued Mustang Mack, who mocks his hypocrisy with biting wit. As Foney insists on his integrity, Mack delivers a scathing retort that leaves the crowd laughing — and Foney visibly flustered.

Lash Lareue, disguised as a prisoner at a town costume party, discovers a group of escaped convicts hiding in the town hall—unaware they’re being set up by a double-crossing accomplice. As he plans to expose them, the convicts mistake him for their contact and bring him to a remote cabin, where he must outwit them before they carry out their next move.

Lash La Rue, a young man with a wallet full of empty promises, tries to borrow a dollar from his friend Loco Lew, who insists he hasn’t got a cent. When Lash calls him out for spending his last dollar, Loco admits he bought a new wallet to hold it—just before he spent it.

When a storm damages a railroad bridge, Lash La Rue must race against time to warn the oncoming Coley Bros. Circus Train, only to face a new threat: a lion that’s escaped from an overturned animal car. With the train hurtling toward the chasm and the wild beast loose on a nearby cattle ranch, Lash must outwit both the danger of the collapsing bridge and the hungry lion before more lives are lost.