An impetuous, neglected era of American history, and it is a detective story that will stand as the definitive account of one of the nation's greatest disasters.

The last supper -- Pearl of the Antilles -- "A burst of thunder" -- The Yellow Kid and the China-shop bull -- Court of inquiry -- The dogs of war -- Wolfhound at Manila Bay -- Hide and go seek -- "Children of the dragon's blood" -- Lambs to slaughter -- The cost of conquest -- Duty and destiny -- Taps -- Epilogue : the protagonists.