The narrative follows Billy Barlow, an American electrical engineer, who finds himself in Hayti (Haiti) working for the Wilmot Electric Light Company. After the company attempts to charge for their services, President Hamilcar Poussevain seizes their assets, leaving Billy as the only employee retained due to his expertise. Billy's position becomes precarious as he navigates the corrupt political landscape, where he must negotiate his salary with the president, who is notorious for not paying his debts. Billy's determination to secure his wages stems from his desire to marry Claire, the daughter of the widow who runs the café where he lodges. As he faces increasing hostility from the president, who views him as a nuisance, Billy concocts a plan to elope with Claire. However, he needs to collect his back pay to afford their escape. The plot thickens when Billy learns that a naval officer is arriving in Hayti, prompting him to leverage this situation to his advantage. He sends a cable to the U.S. Secretary of State, threatening to call for military intervention if he is not paid. This bold move catches the attention of the U.S. Navy, leading to the arrival of a warship. In a twist of fate, Billy encounters Harry St. Clair, a famous movie star, who is in Hayti to film a propaganda piece for the Navy. Billy persuades St. Clair to accompany him to the palace, where he presents him as a naval officer to intimidate President Ham into paying his debt. The encounter escalates into a theatrical performance, with St. Clair reciting lines from a play, which ultimately convinces the president to hand over the money. With the funds secured, Billy and Claire execute their plan to elope. As they make their escape, Billy uses his control over the electric lights to create a diversion, plunging the city into darkness. This act of defiance allows them to slip away unnoticed, boarding the departing ship. The story concludes with Billy reflecting on the effectiveness of his bold actions, contrasting the slow and cautious approach of diplomacy with the immediate results achieved through his audacity. The narrative highlights themes of love, ambition, and the interplay of power in a corrupt political environment, showcasing Billy's resourcefulness and determination to secure a future with Claire.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1916 · Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Political Satire