Robert Clay, who keeps his past as a mercenary secret, is an engineer at a mine in the jungle of a small South American country. Hes in love with the daughter of the American mine owner, but hes got competition. They become caught up in a coup, and must take whatever measures necessary to survive the explosive revolution.

Richard Harding Davis (18641916) was an American journalist, war correspondent, short-story writer, playwright, and novelist. He worked in politics as well as fashion. He is best known for his colorful firsthand accounts as a war correspondent in six wars including the Spanish-American War, the Greco-Turkish War, the Boer War, and World War I. His well-known works includeSoldiers of Fortune andGallegher and Other Stories.