
A determined earl, furious that his son Guy plans to marry a penniless outsider, arranges a diplomatic posting in Madrid to keep the couple apart. The young heir arrives in a sun‑blazed Spanish port, where the lively streets, fragrant taverns and ancient church bells set a vivid backdrop. Yet the city hides a tangled web of anarchist conspiracies that quickly draw Guy into danger.
Amid the bustling market stalls and the salty breeze of the Biscayan coast, Guy encounters a charismatic fisherman, a secretive Jesuit, and a mysterious woman bent on revenge. Their intertwined lives thrust him into narrow escapes and thrilling encounters, while his love for the humble girl offers a tender counterpoint to the looming menace. The story balances pulse‑quickening intrigue with a heartfelt romance, promising listeners an atmospheric journey through passion and peril.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (418K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2012-10-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1864–1927
A hugely popular early master of spy fiction, he turned fears of invasion and international intrigue into fast-moving stories that gripped readers before the First World War. His books helped shape the mood of his age, mixing journalism, suspense, and a flair for dramatic danger.
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