Bat is in Central City, Colorado in 1883 accompanying his acquaintance Teresa Renault at an art auction. She is an ex-saloon girl who has moved into high society after a hitting it big in a mine. She buys an expensive painting over Bat's objections that it is a forgery. He believes the original was burned in Europe along with several other paintings by the same artist. Due to his questioning of the gallery owner Orrin Thackeray he finds himself in Thackeray's office - at gunpoint. To settle the issue Bat and Thackeray agree to have the art critic Willard Quentin verify the painting along with a $10,000 bet by Bat on his decision. However, Quentin verifies the painting as authentic. Bat pays but later makes a visit to Quentin's hotel room finding Quentin drinking. While there Thackeray's henchman Clyde arrives. He knocks Bat out, pours alcohol on him, and then shoots Quentin. Bat finds himself in jail "framed" for murder with a vain Sheriff. Teresa tells Bat Thackeray bought back the painting - the only proof of Bat's innocence giving Bat little time.
—Anonymous