At head of title: Ralph Compton.

"Jasper Duncan's stagecoach is the fastest one in California; at least that's what he tells folks looking for a ride between the Stanislaus mines and Sonora. But he needs a windfall of cash to stay in business, and he needs to stay in business to continue his hunt for the outlaw Alec Casey, who murdered Jasper's father. He's learned Casey has a base of operations in the Stanislaus woods and he's determined to find it. An unexpected solution presents itself: a lucrative job transporting three passengers and "dangerous cargo." When Jasper finds out the cargo is actually a handcuffed Slip Casey, he's elated. Slip insists he's not a killer like his brother, but Alec will surely come to his rescue, offering Jasper his best chance for revenge. But after an accident, a shootout and more misadventures, can Jasper really trust Slip? And will they survive the journey?"--,Provided by publisher.