"Black Jack" is a grand western adventure story told by a masterful storyteller Max Brand about the son of a murdered bad guy who is raised as a fine gentleman. But, in truth, Terry is the son of the outlaw Black Jack Hollis. The story is about a bet between sister and brother whether genetics is stronger and the child will turn bad like his father or environment shall prove stronger and the child will become an outstanding citizen. As usual, Brands West is peopled with characters from mythology grander and much more eloquent than average dime-novel heroes.