The Buried Treasure of Cobre
A young diplomat, Everett, is appointed as the minister plenipotentiary to the Republic of Amapala, a small and undesirable Central American country. Disillusioned by his previous roles in Europe, he eagerly accepts the position, hoping to secure a treaty for extraditing criminals, a task that has eluded his predecessors. Upon arrival, he finds Amapala to be a stagnant and unwelcoming place, where the local government is resistant to extradition due to the presence of American fugitives, including Chester Ward and Colonel Goddard, who have established themselves in the country. Ward, a wealthy man, is excavating the ruins of the lost city of Cobre, which he claims to have exclusive rights to. However, the American consul, Garland, suggests that Ward's archaeological pursuits are a cover for a more lucrative treasure hunt, possibly involving gold hidden within the ruins. Meanwhile, Everett becomes acquainted with Monica Ward, Chester's sister, who is dedicated to humanitarian efforts and is well-loved by the local populace. Despite his initial skepticism about her brother, Everett finds himself drawn to Monica. As Everett navigates the complexities of Amapalan politics and the interests of the American expatriate community, he learns that both Ward and Goddard are fugitives from justice, complicating his mission. The local president, Mendoza, is unwilling to sign the extradition treaty, fearing it would jeopardize his own position and the stability of Amapala. Everett's determination to secure the treaty intensifies, especially as he becomes more involved with Monica and the local community. Tensions rise when Professor Peabody, an archaeologist eager to study Cobre, arrives in Amapala and clashes with Ward. Peabody's insistence on uncovering the truth about the ruins leads him to trespass on Ward's territory, resulting in a confrontation that escalates into violence. Everett attempts to mediate the situation, but the stakes are raised when Peabody discovers evidence of counterfeiting linked to Ward, revealing a deeper criminal conspiracy. As the narrative unfolds, Everett grapples with his feelings for Monica and the implications of her brother's actions on his diplomatic career. The climax occurs when a confrontation in the ruins leads to a tragic outcome, forcing Everett to confront the consequences of his ambitions and the moral complexities of his role as a diplomat. In the aftermath, Everett resigns from his position, realizing that his true happiness lies not in his career but in his relationship with Monica. The story concludes with a sense of resolution as Everett and Monica look toward a future together, free from the shadows of their pasts.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1896 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Mystery · 14,466 words
First lines
Young Everett at last was a minister plenipotentiary. In London as third secretary he had splashed around in the rain to find the ambassador's carriage. In Rome as a second secretary he had served as a clearing-house for the Embassy's visiting-cards; and in Madrid as first secretary he had acted as interpreter for a minister who, though valuable as a national chairman, had much to learn of even his own language. But although surrounded by all the wonders and delights of Europe, although he walked, talked, wined, and dined with statesmen and court beauties, Everett was not happy. He was never his own master. Always he answered the button pressed by the man higher up. Always over him loomed his chief; always, for his diligence and zeal, his chief received credit.
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The Buried Treasure of Cobre is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1896 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Romance
- Length: 14,466 words
- Structure: 1 section, 284 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Buried Treasure of Cobre by Richard Harding Davis
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Buried Treasure of Cobre?
- How does this novel by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- The Waif Of The Cynthia by Jules Verne
- The Exiles by Richard Harding Davis
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- The Intriguers by Harold Bindloss
Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a quest for hidden treasure, embodying classic adventure themes.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against a historical backdrop, incorporating real events and cultural elements.
- Mystery — The search for the buried treasure involves elements of mystery and suspense.
- Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, created from the author's imagination.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Novel · Treasure Hunt · Mystery · Thriller · Romance · Historical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Classic Novel · Pirate Story