Nick Carter's latest case plunges him into fogbound rivers, hidden rooms, and a conspiracy that could decide the fate of a kingdom. When a collision on the Hudson lets kidnappers snatch two prisoners from his launch, Nick learns that Prince Marcos must reach Joyalita by the eighteenth to stop an annexation plot—and that ruthless men like Larry Dugan, Foxey, Pet Carlin, Don Solado, and Prince Miguel will do anything to delay him. At Crownledge, the mystery deepens as Claudia Solado fears for Marcos's safety, a jeweled watch proves to be the Seal of Gijon, and Chick Carter vanishes amid signs of theft and sabotage. Following a trail of mud and salt grass to the Hackensack meadows, Nick and Patsy Garvan track the conspirators to a warehouse, where stealth gives way to a brutal ambush. There, Nick finds Marcos held captive and resisting Miguel's coercion, while betrayals, concealed weapons, and a sudden attack from hidden allies push the detective toward a final showdown in this fast-paced tale of espionage, kidnapping, and international intrigue. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.