Intrigue and Arms Dealing in Barcelona: 1917-1919

Intrigue and Arms Dealing in Barcelona: 1917-1919

The story unfolds in Barcelona between 1917 and 1919. It begins when a wealthy Dutch businessman visits Catalonia to hunt with the Catalan aristocracy. Cortabanyes, a local businessman, persuades the millionaire to invest in an arms factory, promising substantial profits. The Dutchman agrees, and with partners Savolta, Claudedeu, and Parells, the company commences production. The Dutchman subsequently departs, leaving Savolta and Cortabanyes in control, reaping significant financial rewards. Cortabanyes marries but is soon widowed. He establishes a small firm associated with the arms company.

Post-War Schemes and Labor Unrest

Following the First World War, a young Frenchman named Lepprince arrives and quickly gains Savolta’s trust. His ultimate goal is to marry Savolta’s daughter, Maria Rosa, and acquire his fortune. He collaborates with a German spy, Victor Pratz (known as Max), to engage in arms smuggling. As production demands increase, the workday is extended, leading to worker complaints and demands for higher wages. To quell the growing unrest, strikes are organized. Fearing that Claudedeu might uncover his illicit activities, Lepprince hires thugs to intimidate the workers’ leaders. Javier Miranda, an employee of Cortabanyes, is unwittingly drawn into these events.

A Web of Deceit and Violence

Lepprince and Miranda enlist the help of two thugs associated with Maria Coral, a young Romani woman who works in a cabaret. Lepprince becomes infatuated with Maria, a relationship that will ultimately contribute to his downfall. Meanwhile, Lepprince hires a journalist, Pajarito de Soto, to write a favorable report about the Savolta company. However, when Pajarito discovers the Frenchman’s true intentions, he is murdered on Lepprince’s orders.

Suspicion and Investigation

Parells grows suspicious of Lepprince’s potentially fraudulent dealings and instructs Nemesio Gomez, nicknamed “Goat,” to investigate Pajarito de Soto. Nemesio learns that before his death, the journalist wrote a letter to Miranda, revealing the truth about Lepprince. He shares this information with Parells and Superintendent Vazquez, who is investigating the turmoil surrounding the Savolta company with the help of Sergeant Totorno. Vazquez is temporarily reassigned to Tetuan due to Lepprince’s connections within the ministry, but Totorno continues to provide updates through letters.

Betrayal, Murder, and Downfall

Aware of Pajarito’s letter, Lepprince fears it might reach Savolta and sends Max to eliminate the threat. He then marries Maria Rosa Savolta. Claudedeu is murdered by terrorists in retaliation for the deaths of several workers. Lepprince, captivated by Maria Coral since their first encounter, begins an affair with her, betraying his wife. To maintain their relationship, he arranges for Maria to marry Miranda, a marriage of convenience that allows her to continue seeing Lepprince. A heated argument ensues between Maria and Miranda, during which she confesses her affair with Lepprince. Miranda attempts suicide but fails.

The Company’s Collapse

With the war’s end, Lepprince’s illicit business ventures crumble, and the Savolta company goes bankrupt due to his mismanagement. Parells, blaming Lepprince for the company’s demise, orders his assassination.

Escape and Aftermath

Shortly thereafter, Max and Maria Coral flee. Miranda locates them in a small town and informs them that Lepprince is ruined and has many enemies. Max and Maria are later involved in an altercation with the Guardia Civil, resulting in Max’s death. Maria disappears, and Miranda’s desperate search for her proves fruitless.

Truth Revealed

Upon returning to Barcelona, Miranda discovers that Lepprince’s factory has mysteriously burned down. He visits Lepprince’s widow and encounters Superintendent Vazquez, who has returned. Vazquez reveals the entire truth and provides Miranda with Pajarito de Soto’s letter.

Resolution in New York

The following day, Miranda meets with Cortabanyes and delivers a letter from Lepprince, instructing him to travel to New York to meet with lawyers and collect a life insurance policy intended for his wife and daughter. Maria Coral also reappears, having survived thanks to the help of some shepherds.

A New Beginning

Ultimately, Miranda and Maria Coral travel to New York in search of work. Miranda is tasked with collecting the insurance money for Maria Rosa Savolta and her daughter. Lepprince’s widow sends Miranda a letter expressing her gratitude for the insurance funds.