Paul Marchand, who lives in the multinational society of New Orleans in the 1820s, is despised by white society for being a quadroon, yet he is a proud, wealthy, and well-educated man. In this city where great wealth and great poverty exist side by side, the richest Creole in town is dying. Pierre Beaurepas's family eagerly and greedily awaits disposition of his wealth. As the bombshell of the old man's will explodes, Marchand is drawn inexorably into contact with Beaurepas's racist family. Bringing to life the entwined racial cultures of New Orleans society, Chesnutt not only writes an exciting tale of adventure and mystery but also makes a provocative comment on the nature of racial identity, self-worth, and family loyalty.