The Missourian, a hero half-splendid and half-grotesque, is one of that band of Confederate who, under Joe Shelby, refused even at the eleventh hour to surrender to the Federal forces and conceived the idea of complete expatriation by offering their services to the tottering throne of Mexico.With this offer of military aid, Din Driscoll, Missourian, Confederate Lieutenant Colonel, and storm centre in every fight, is sent to Mexico, where he sees the vision of a dissolving empire, and of course, finds love.