The novel follows the story of a young man, John Dewbury, who is the son of a wealthy English gentleman. John is a dreamer and a romantic, and he is determined to make his own way in the world. He sets out to make his fortune in the Far East, but his plans are thwarted when he falls in love with a beautiful young woman, Mary, who is the daughter of a wealthy Chinese merchant. John and Mary's love is forbidden by both their families, and John is forced to return to England. He is determined to win Mary's hand in marriage, but he must first gain the consent of her father. To do this, he must prove himself worthy of her love and prove that he can provide for her. John embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about the world and himself, and eventually gaining the respect of Mary's father. Along the way, he faces many obstacles, including a dangerous rival, a powerful enemy, and a mysterious stranger. In the end, John succeeds in winning Mary's hand in marriage, and the two are happily married. The novel is a romantic adventure story, full of suspense and intrigue, and is a classic example of Sabatini's writing.
By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1906 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure