[1][2] A Jewish businessman named Samuel has promised to give his daughter Sarah as a wife to the rich mestizo, André Certa.

But Sarah - who is very attracted to the Catholic religion - is in love with the young Indian chief Martin Paz.

He jumps in a raging river and everyone believes him dead, but he finds refuge with the Spanish nobleman Don Végal who takes a liking to him and places him under his protection.

The rebels attack Samuel's home, killing him, and Paz is able to escape with Sarah to Végal's house.

Among the subjects covered are anti-Semitism (see also: Off on a Comet), the struggle for independence, miscegenation and the role of aristocracy in public affairs.