Classic Book Reader
Cover of The Firebrand

The Firebrand

by S. R. Crockett (1860–1914)

  • Free to read
  • 9 hours to read
  • 50 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"The Firebrand" by S. R. Crockett is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Ramon Garcia, known as El Sarria, who transforms from a prosperous man with a loving wife into an outlaw after a tragic confrontation involving betrayal and rage. The narrative weaves themes of love, jealousy, honor, and vengeance against a backdrop of Spanish culture and societal norms. The opening portion introduces Ramon Garcia, who is hiding in a cave after killing Rafael de Flores, his wife's cousin, driven by jealousy. As he reflects on his past life of contentment and love for his wife, Dolóres, he grapples with his descent into outlawry. The plot reveals Ramon's emotions and the complicated relationships between him, his wife, and her cousin, setting the stage for a tale of betrayal and a man’s struggle for honor. Ramon's internal conflict and the consequences of his actions highlight the themes of love and loyalty that will likely unfold throughout the novel.

Read free now No app, no sign-up. Your place is saved automatically. Or download for your e-reader ↓
  • Spain · History · Carlist War, 1833-1840

Read the opening

Chapter I

THE MAKING OF AN OUTLAW

Ramon Garcia, called El Sarria, lay crouched like a wild beast. And he was a wild beast. Yet he smiled as he blinked into the midnoon heat, under his shaggy brows, from his den beneath the great rock of limestone that shadowed him.

El Sarria was hunted, and there was on his hands the blood of a man—to be more particular, on his left hand. For El Sarria had smitten hard and eager, so soon as he had seen Rafael de Flores—Rafael, the pretty boy, the cousin of his young wife, between whom and her relative there was at least cousinly affection. So the neighbours said, all but Manuela, the priest's housekeeper.

So Ramon smote and wiped his Manchegan knife on his vest, in the place under the flap at the left side where he had often wiped it before. He used the same gesture as when he killed a sheep.

In his cave of limestone Ramon was going over the scene in his own mind. That is why he licked his lips slowly and smiled. A tiger does that when after a full meal he moves the loose skin over his neck twitchy-ways and yawns with over-fed content. And Ramon, even though hunted, did the same.

Keep reading The Firebrand →

Contents

Show all 50 chapters
  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V
  6. Chapter VI
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX
  10. Chapter X
  11. Chapter XI
  12. Chapter XII
  13. Chapter XIII
  14. Chapter XIV
  15. Chapter XV
  16. Chapter XVI
  17. Chapter XVII
  18. Chapter XVIII
  19. Chapter XIX
  20. Chapter XX
  21. Chapter XXI
  22. Chapter XXII
  23. Chapter XXIII
  24. Chapter XXIV
  25. Chapter XXV
  26. Chapter XXVI
  27. Chapter XXVII
  28. Chapter XXVIII
  29. Chapter XXIX
  30. Chapter XXX
  31. Chapter XXXI
  32. Chapter XXXII
  33. Chapter XXXIII
  34. Chapter XXXIV
  35. Chapter XXXV
  36. Chapter XXXVI
  37. Chapter XXXVII
  38. Chapter XXXVIII
  39. Chapter XXXIX
  40. Chapter XL
  41. Chapter XLI
  42. Chapter XLII
  43. Chapter XLIII
  44. Chapter XLIV: "For Rollo's Sake"
  45. Chapter XLV
  46. Chapter XLVI
  47. Chapter XLVII
  48. Chapter XLVIII
  49. Chapter XLIX
  50. Chapter L

Download for your e-reader

Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.

About this edition

This free edition of The Firebrand by S. R. Crockett comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #33602, released 2010-09-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Novels.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

More by S. R. Crockett