An idiosyncratic tale dealing with a myth that is told in the most captivating fashion. With supernatural elements and mystery, the twists and turns of the plot are engrossing. A murky and evil atmosphere pervades the book and rivets the reader's attention.
It takes place somewhere in southern California on the ranch of widower and retired General Trednoke. Professor Meschine, an old friend, is visiting Trednoke and his daughter Miriam. Meanwhile Grace Parsloe, the daughter of an old friend of both men, is journeying from the East coast to stay a while and recuperate from and illness. On her travels she meets with Harvey Freeman who is also coming west, but neither of them know they are going to the same destination.
Freeman is a civil engineer who is being sent out for a specific job which he isn't at liberty to discuss. During their travel time, Freeman and Grace develop a friendship, a little more romantic minded on Grace's part than Freeman's.
Freeman arrives at the ranch before Parsloe and meets and falls for Miriam at first sight. When Grace arrives it becomes a bit sticky. But there is Don Miguel de Mandoza, a dashing young man who becomes smitten with Grace Parsloe and hopes she will feel the same.
The metaphysical/mystery part involves Kamaiakan, the Indian who runs the ranch for Trednoke. He has a mysterious-ness about him and is very knowledgeable about the legends and beliefs of the Azatlan tribe. He has a tie to the Trednokes through Inez, Miriam's mother, and through her to Miriam. He tells of a treasure that was buried in the desert with a spell put upon it to keep it safe. He knows of the spell and the ritual to remove it when it comes time for it to be dug up. To quote from the book -
"And, between ourselves," added the general, "Kamaiakan is himself the priestly relative by whom the spell was wrought. He bears an enchanted life, which cannot cease until he has restored the jewels to Miriam's hands."
