02369cam a22003133u 4500 28266 UtSlPG 20260610133638.0 m cr n 260607r2009||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PR McCarthy, Justin H. (Justin Huntly), 1860-1936 The Duke's Motto: A Melodrama Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2009 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2009-03-07 Produced by D Alexander, Tim Krajcar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) "The Duke's Motto: A Melodrama" by Justin H. McCarthy is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. Set in France during a time of political intrigue and personal conflict, the narrative revolves around swashbuckling characters and dueling romantic interests. The main character emerges as Henri de Lagardere, a clever and skilled swordsman, who becomes enmeshed in a dangerous plot involving the Duke of Nevers and his secret marriage. At the start of the story, we find ourselves at the Inn of the Seven Devils, where a motley crew of armed men gathers in a hot, cramped room. They engage in boisterous conversation, consuming wine, and revealing their rough, brigand-like nature. Among them is the hunchbacked Æsop, who contrasts sharply with his boisterous companions and reads a book, seemingly uninterested in their revelry. As tensions rise, the newcomer Lagardere disrupts their plans, drawing attention to himself with his charismatic presence. Early on, there are hints of a deeper political scheme involving the Duke and his cousin, which sets the stage for the dramatic encounters and conflicts that will unfold throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified France -- History -- Louis XIII, 1610-1643 -- Fiction Adventure and adventurers -- Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28266 69175 69175