Summary

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The Republic of Costaguana finds itself embroiled in a fierce uprising. Led by the formidable Pedrito Montero, rebel forces have seized control of the country's eastern regions. In Sulaco, the key town in the isolated western territory, leaders scramble to devise defense plans. At the heart of Sulaco's economy lies the prosperous San Tomé silver mine, overseen by Charles Gould, a native son educated in England. Gould's management has brought unprecedented success to the mine, yet its wealth is now a target as whispers of insurrection grow louder. News arrives that rebel troops, led by General Sotillo, intend to capture both the town and its precious silver ingots.

Gould's Bold Strategy

In a daring move, Gould decides to load the silver ingots onto a lighter, a small barge, and set it adrift in the gulf. This temporary measure is meant to safeguard the treasure until a ship can transport it safely to the United States. Entrusted with this mission is Gian’ Battista, known as Nostromo—the man of steadfast integrity. Accompanying him is Martin Decoud, a Paris-educated newspaper editor recently engaged to Antonia Avellanos. Decoud, having angered Montero by opposing the revolutionists in his editorials, harbors ambitions of an independent Occidental Republic centered around Sulaco.

A Nighttime Encounter

As Nostromo and Decoud embark on their nighttime voyage, Sotillo's ship, lurking in darkness, inadvertently collides with their lighter. Displaying quick thinking, Nostromo steers to Great Isabel, an uninhabited island, where he buries the silver. Leaving Decoud behind, he sinks the lighter in the harbor and swims back to the mainland, evading capture.

Seizing the Town

Sotillo, upon realizing the silver's disappearance, takes control of the customhouse, launching a frenzied search. Meanwhile, Montero seizes Sulaco, dismissing Sotillo's efforts as inconsequential. The residents who’ve chosen to stay assume the silver now lies lost at sea. They seek Nostromo's aid once more, urging him to deliver a message to Barrios, the loyalist commander on the other side of the mountains.

Valiant Journey

Undeterred, Nostromo embarks on a dramatic journey involving a thrilling train ride up the mountains followed by a six-day horseback trek. His perseverance pays off as he successfully delivers the vital message, prompting Barrios and his troops to set sail to liberate Sulaco.

The Silver's Fate

As Barrios approaches Sulaco, Nostromo spots a familiar small boat, prompting him to dive into the water and swim to it. With Barrios's forces expelling the traitors from Sulaco, Gould prepares to destroy the mine with dynamite, resolute that it should never fall into rebel hands.

Secrets on Great Isabel

Nostromo sails to Great Isabel, finding Decoud gone and four silver ingots missing. A telltale bloodstain on the boat suggests Decoud's tragic end—unable to bear his isolation, he shot himself, sinking to the depths with the ingots. Nostromo is now in a quandary: confessing the treasure's whereabouts would implicate him in the theft of the missing ingots. Choosing discretion, he lets the world believe the silver is forever lost at sea, planning to secretly sell the ingots over time.

A New Enterprise

Hailed for his service, Nostromo is gifted a boat by the grateful citizens. He uses it to trade along the coast, extending his voyages as far as California, all the while discreetly selling the hidden silver. His calm is shattered upon discovering a lighthouse under construction on Great Isabel, though he quickly suggests old Giorgio Viola as its keeper. Nostromo has intentions towards Viola’s daughter, Linda, hoping his frequent visits would go unquestioned.

A Secret Affair

To solidify his presence on the island, Nostromo courts Linda, yet his true affections lie with her sister, Giselle....

(This entire section contains 814 words.)

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Secret rendezvous with Giselle kindle a fervent romance, though Linda grows suspicious. Pressed by Giselle to escape with her, Nostromo reveals the truth about the silver and his need to convert it to wealth before they can flee together.

A Fatal Mistake

Consumed by animosity towards Ramirez, Giorgio Viola takes to guarding the island nightly. Mistaking Nostromo for Ramirez, he shoots him as Nostromo approaches Giselle’s window. As Viola claims responsibility, Linda rushes out, but Giselle is first to tend to the wounded Nostromo, accompanying him back to the mainland.

The Final Confession

On his deathbed, Nostromo requests an audience with Emilia Gould, Charles's compassionate wife. He confesses to her about the treasure and Giselle’s innocence, but Emilia, aware of the sorrow the silver has sown, refuses to learn its location. Nostromo dies, keeping the secret intact, spurning any offers of aid from Dr. Monygham.

The Aftermath

Dr. Monygham visits Great Isabel to inform Linda of Nostromo’s death, leaving her heartbroken. As Linda weeps, declaring her eternal love for Nostromo, Dr. Monygham observes that her devotion is perhaps his greatest legacy. Meanwhile, Sulaco prospers, becoming the Occidental Republic. Despite the losses of Decoud and Nostromo, the region thrives under Gould’s stewardship, its future promising and bright.

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