The White Mice

In Short

Set against the fiery backdrop of a Caribbean revolution, this romantic adventure follows Roddy Forrester, a warm-hearted American worker who stumbles into political intrigue in Venezuela. Bound by a secret vow of altruism, Roddy resolves to rescue General Don Miguel Rojas, an elder patriot left to rot in a damp, sea-washed fortress cell. Along the way, Roddy contends with corrupt corporate bosses, watchful government spies, and a rival revolutionary leader, all while falling deeply in love with the general's courageous daughter. Rich with period charm, it endures as a lively, humorous tale of youthful gallantry and high stakes.

The Story

The plot centers on Roddy Forrester, an easygoing young American supervising construction work on a harbor project in Venezuela for his father’s powerful company. Far from being a hardened mercenary, Roddy belongs to the "Order of the White Mice," a tongue-in-cheek pact made with his affluent friends to save lives rather than take them. His resolve is put to the ultimate test when he learns of General Don Miguel Rojas, a noble Venezuelan diplomat known as the "Lion of Valencia," who has been unjustly languishing in the subterranean prison of San Carlos for two years under the despotic President Alvarez.

Determined to set the old man free, Roddy joins forces with his reliable companion, Peter de Peyster. Their initial inquiries draw the suspicion of local authorities, government spies, and even the cautious American Consul, Captain Sylvanus Cobb Codman. The situation grows infinitely more personal when Roddy encounters Inez Rojas, the general’s beautiful, fiercely devoted daughter. Transfixed by her beauty and spirit, Roddy dedicates himself entirely to her family's cause.

Complications mount on every side. Roddy’s own father and his corporate associate, Sam Caldwell, are secretly backing a rival revolutionary force led by Colonel Pino Vega, hoping to install a puppet government that favors their business ventures. Vega, a passionate Venezuelan officer, harbors his own ambitions for the presidency and views Roddy not only as a political threat but as a direct romantic rival for Inez’s affections.

Working against time, heat, and betrayal, Roddy collaborates with a sympathetic engineer, McKildrick, to locate an ancient colonial tunnel connecting the outer fortress of El Morro directly to General Rojas's sealed cell. Outwitting Caldwell and dodging Vega’s jealousy, Roddy takes bold action as political chaos erupts across the city. Amid gunshots, incendiary fires, and naval signals, Roddy guides his launch through the dark harbor, sweeps Inez to safety, and executes the daring prison break. Rescued from the brink of death, General Rojas is swept into the arms of his cheering countrymen, while Roddy wins the heart of the woman he risked everything to save.

How It Unfolds

The call to action Roddy Forrester arrives in Venezuela to oversee harbor construction, bored by his routine duties and eager to fulfill his oath to his secret philanthropic fraternity, the White Mice.

Discovering the underground passage While browsing historical volumes in a Willemstad bookstore, Roddy deciphers an old account describing a forgotten colonial tunnel linking the Fortress of El Morro directly to the dungeon holding General Rojas.

A dangerous confrontation Roddy crosses paths with Colonel Pino Vega, a rival revolutionary leader who realizes that the young American has won the confidence and affection of Inez Rojas.

Infiltrating the fortress Disguised as curious tourists interested in military architecture, Roddy and his friends gain entry to the dungeon, secretly evaluating the cell's stone walls while feigning disdain for political prisoners.

Tensions boil over As Alvarez's police raid rival strongholds, Sam Caldwell attempts to control the political uprising, leading Roddy to publicly break ties with his father's company and his corrupt associates.

Escape across the harbor Amidst nighttime gunfire, burning buildings, and artillery flashes, Roddy rescues Inez from the wharf and maneuvers his power launch toward the hidden tunnel entrance.

Triumph on the balcony Having successfully extracted General Rojas through the passage, the group celebrates his liberation as a joyful crowd gathers beneath the balcony to welcome the restored hero.

The People

• Roddy Forrester: A spirited, optimistic young American supervisor for the Forrester Construction Company. Driven by a blend of humor, boyish idealism, and newfound love, he risks his reputation and safety to pull an innocent man from a dungeon.
• Inez Rojas: The brave, educated daughter of General Don Miguel Rojas. Deeply committed to her father's survival, she balances her familial duty with a growing, conflicted affection for the impulsive Roddy.
• Colonel Pino Vega: A handsome, fiery Venezuelan military officer and rebel leader. He seeks both the overthrow of President Alvarez and the hand of Inez, growing dangerously jealous of Roddy's influence.
• Peter de Peyster: Roddy’s loyal, pragmatic friend and the "High Historian" of the White Mice. He serves as the grounded voice of reason, constantly warning Roddy against getting hopelessly entangled in local revolutions.
• Sam Caldwell: An unscrupulous agent representing the elder Mr. Forrester’s corporate interests. Ruthless and calculating, he views South American politics merely as an avenue for corporate profit.
• General Don Miguel Rojas: The revered "Lion of Valencia," an honorable statesman whose extended imprisonment in a damp sea-cell symbolizes the suffering of his country.

In Its Own Voice

"I have saved lives of fifty Jamaica coolies daily by not carrying an axe."

When writing to his secret fraternity, Roddy dryly defends his peaceful record while begging his friend to rescue him from tropical boredom.

"I have found an underground passage into the cell of General Rojas... We must go back and dig him out."

Roddy bursts in on a sleeping Peter after uncovering crucial military history hidden inside an old Spanish book.

"On such a night as this, Jessica stole from Shylock's house to meet her lover. On such a night Leander swam the Hellespont."

Under the Caribbean moonlight, Roddy abandons all caution to confess his romantic devotion to Inez.

What It's Really About

Beneath its swashbuckling surface, the story explores the clash between cold corporate imperialism and genuine personal honor. Roddy's father and Sam Caldwell view South American nations as mere chessboards for economic gain, willing to bankroll revolutions to secure contracts. Roddy, by contrast, rejects this mercenary worldview in favor of a personal moral code—symbolized by the chivalric humor of the White Mice. The narrative asks whether chivalry and romantic idealism can survive in a modern world dominated by finance and realpolitik, ultimately arguing that personal integrity and simple human empathy triumph over corporate cynicism every time.

Why Read It Today

Readers who delight in classic, high-spirited adventure fiction—in the vein of Anthony Hope's The Prisoner of Zenda—will find themselves thoroughly entertained by this lively tale. Richard Harding Davis writes with a crisp, cinematic rhythm, offering evocative tropical atmospheres, sharp dialogue, and an infectious sense of humor that keeps the plot moving briskly.

Modern readers should be prepared for typical early-twentieth-century attitudes toward foreign politics, alongside somewhat idealized characterizations and dramatic romantic sentiment. However, these period elements are easily offset by the story's genuine warmth, engaging suspense, and timeless celebration of youthful courage. It remains a wonderfully satisfying escape into a world of hidden tunnels, moonlight vows, and daring harbor escapes.

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