A Man of Peace

Introduction

“A Man of Peace” tells the story of Slade O’Shane, a man born into an environment where physical strength and size are the measures of a man. Despite being smaller and weaker than his peers, Slade’s early disadvantages compel him to develop his speed and agility, transforming him into a formidable fighter. His journey is marked by a quest for peace in a world that values brute force, leading him through various landscapes and challenges that test his resolve and fighting skills.

Summary

Slade grows up in Despree Settlement, surrounded by men who pride themselves on their physical stature and strength. Feeling alienated due to his smaller size, Slade decides to compensate by becoming exceptionally quick and agile, learning from the wild and the few companions he finds among the Indians and nature itself.

Despite his desire for peace, Slade’s reputation as a fighter follows him, forcing him into confrontations that he wins with his unique blend of speed, technique, and knowledge of fighting arts. His quest for a peaceful existence drives him away from civilization and into the wilderness, where he feels a profound connection with nature and the simplicity of life.

However, Slade’s peace is disrupted when he learns of a plot to smuggle arms across the Mexico-United States border, aimed at inciting a revolution in Mexico. Using his wit and skills, Slade intervenes, preventing the arms from reaching the revolutionaries and stopping the plot in its tracks. His actions lead to a climactic battle with Red Sloan, a key figure in the smuggling operation, in a contest that proves to be the ultimate test of Slade’s abilities and resolve.

After a brutal and exhaustive fight, Slade emerges victorious, but the victory brings him no joy. Instead, it reaffirms his desire for peace and solitude, away from the conflicts of men. In the end, Slade and Sloan, recognizing a kindred spirit in each other, decide to leave the land behind and seek peace together on the sea.

Characters

  • Slade O’Shane: The protagonist, whose physical shortcomings in a world that values strength lead him to develop unparalleled speed and agility. Despite his fighting prowess, his deepest desire is for peace and solitude.
  • Red Sloan: A formidable fighter involved in the arms smuggling scheme. After being bested by Slade in a grueling fight, he gains a deep respect for Slade and offers him companionship and a shared quest for peace.
  • Captain Jose Ferdinando de Garille: A military officer and co-conspirator in the arms smuggling plot, aiming to profit from the ensuing conflict.
  • Don Lopez Miguel y Antone del Martinez: A bandit chief intended to create a diversion for the smuggling operation, though he remains unaware of the plot’s full scope.
  • Juan: A Mexican man who overhears the smuggling plan and informs Slade, setting the chain of events that lead to the plot’s unraveling.
  • The Boxer: An unnamed ex-light heavyweight who teaches Slade the finer points of boxing and combat, further honing his skills.

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