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* Contents derived from the Sydney,New South Wales,:Herbert Scanlon,1924 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
The peasant folk who live at the base of Mount Etna know that the only way to placate the mountain is through sacrifices. Though Virgol farms at the base of the mountain, he is not a native of the area and he scoffs at the villagers' beliefs. Etna, however, will not tolerate his impudence.
In eighteenth century France, two young men are falsely accused of desecrating a Christian cross. While one flees to Prussia, the other remains to face the charges against him and subsequently endures horrific torture. As generations pass and the country is gripped by war, a descendant of the man that fled endeavours to atone for his predecessor's lack of courage.
Mark Connell is a confirmed bachelor. Explaining his position to a friend, Mark cites as the cause his unfortunate experience with a calculating young woman in France during the war.
Author's note: 'Regard the quality rather than the quantity of what you read. The credentials of the Salesman selling this book have been fully enquired into, and on account of his excellent character, he has been engaged to act as the personal representative of the Author, in bringing this book before you. Please note- This book does not deal with sex, and is clean and wholesome.' (p.1)
