Rainbow in a Bottle — Gregory A. Freeman

This story points out the perils of artificial dependency and of those who would exploit anyone seeking a quick fix for their problems. Syd Snake and his fellow con-men arrive in town to peddle their wares. Syd is dedicated to his craft of deceitfulness for personal gain. He has no regard for the havoc that he brings into the lives of his customers. Wile E. Fox, who is his comrade, assists him in bilking the unwary masses. He tricks them into buying their miracle cure -- for almost anything that ails them. The third accomplice in this unscrupulous trio is Boris the Boar, who is totally lacking in any social graces or manners. He is the work horse for the small band of con-men. Jack Rabbit, who is the town's doctor, tries to warn the citizens of their errant ways after they have been drawn into Syd's diabolical plan. An unexpected source helps Jack Rabbit to foil their sinister plans for the town and its people. The story unfolds in a small rural community of average people going about their lives in the 1890s -- somewhere.