This is the first in a trilogy about the adventures of Allan Quartermain that he wrote in his later years and were published after his death by a friend of his. Marie was a young Dutch girl living in Africa with her father, who had a tutor. The tutor was made available to Allan so that he could learn the Dutch language. Allan was intrigued with Marie and they grew to love each other. Her father hated the English, and didn't want Allan to have anything to do with Marie. Allan saved Marie from the Zulus, but the Zulus took all of her father's cattle. Alan saved them all several times,but still Marie's father would not allow her to marry Allan. He married her anyway against her father's wishes. Marie was later killed trying to save Allan.