First published: 1885

Type of work: Novel

Type of plot: Adventure romance

Time of work: Nineteenth century

Locale: Uruguay and Argentina

Principal Characters:

Richard Lamb, an English adventurer

Paquita, his wife

Dona Isidora, her aunt

Lucero, a horse tamer

Marcos Marco, General Coloma

Margarita, his daughter

Don Peralta, a mad landowner

Demetria Peralta, his daughter

The Story Unfolds:

Richard Lamb, a spirited Englishman, elopes with Paquita, defying her father's wishes, and they find refuge in Montevideo. There, they seek comfort in the hospitality of Dona Isidora, Paquita's aunt. For a while, they reside with her, during which Lamb receives a letter of introduction to the overseer of a ranch, whimsically named Vagabond’s Rest.

With the letter in hand, Lamb ventures into the Florida department, where his education about Uruguay’s tumultuous past began. He learns how political meddling by Argentines and Brazilians has thrown the region into disarray, compounded by ongoing tensions between rural and urban areas. In a local tavern, the pulperia, he encounters Lucero, a horse tamer, and stays at his dwelling for a time before continuing his journey towards the estancia.

Travels and Trials:

Throughout his travels, Lamb experiences the generosity of rustic hospitality. One such evening, he finds himself at a home bustling with children, whimsically named after Christian concepts like Conception and Ascension. Restless due to the house's insect infestation, he leaves early the next day, resuming his journey through the Lucuarembo department, only to discover that Isidora’s letter holds no promise of employment at his destination.

While staying at the estancia, a confrontation with a man named Barbudo earns Lamb a fearsome reputation. Realizing that his newfound notoriety might lead him into further violence, Lamb decides that returning to Montevideo is the wiser course of action.

Encounters and Escapes:

Stopping at Toloso, Lamb mingles with a group of English expatriates at a pulperia. Disappointed by their lack of ambition, he parts ways after a quarrel. On his return to Montevideo, he meets a charming young woman, Margarita, rescuing her doves trapped in a tree, and ponders how such a gentle soul emerged from a rough family. He also meets Anselmo, a man who fills conversations with endless, pointless stories, and Marcos Marco, who becomes his travel companion.

While journeying with Marcos to Montevideo, they are apprehended by an army patrol for Lamb's lack of a passport and taken to a justice of the peace in Las Cuevas. Through the kindness of the justice’s wife, Lamb is granted some freedom, though Marcos is imprisoned. Convinced by Lamb’s persuasion, the woman hands him the key to Marcos’ chains, allowing his friend a more comfortable sleep. Marcos seizes the opportunity to escape under the cover of night. As a nature lover, Lamb finds solace in capturing a small snake, which he uses to ward off the justice’s wife, eventually winning his freedom.

Twists of Fate:

At Alday’s estate, Lamb learns of General Santa Coloma, who is none other than Marcos Marco in disguise. He shares a whimsical tale with Anita, a young orphan, about Alma and her quest for a playmate, inspiring Anita to search for a friend, only to be found by Monica, the household's daughter. Monica persuades Lamb to regale her with stories from his vast collection of tales.

Lamb later visits General Coloma, recognizing him as Marcos, and joins forces with him in the battle of San Paulo. During their encounter, the General unveils Margarita's true identity as his daughter.

Final Adventures:

Following the ill-fated battle, Lamb manages to escape. He meets Gandara at a pulperia, who...