Held by Chinese Brigands

The narrative follows an American traveler, Hennessy K. Waldron, whose leisure journey into southern Chinese waterways becomes entangled with the violent world of a brigand leader, Cheong-Chau, and his gang. Episodes range from opium dens and mountain strongholds to river chases and the seizure of a junk, bringing in allies and captives such as Frank, Ling, Men-ching, and Yung. Adventure sequences alternate with schemes over stolen treasure, escapes and betrayals, culminating in disappearances and reckonings that explore courage, loyalty, and the corrupting lure of gold against a vivid coastal and riverine setting.