
In1898,followingthedestructionoftheMaineinCuba,warisdeclaredagainstSpainbytheUnitedStates;andTheodoreRoosevelt,AssistantSecretaryoftheNavy,alongwithLeonardWoodoftheArmyMedicalCorps,areofferedtheeaglesinthefirstvolunteerregiments;buttheydeclineandtogetherassembletheRoughRiders,amotleyassortmentofvolunteers,ontheExpositionGroundsatSanAntonio.AmidsttheregimentareHappyJoe,whoskipsjailtoenlist;hispursuer,asheriffknownasHell'sBells;BertHenley,alocalboy;Van,ahandsomeNewYorker;andDolly,whoistheobjectofBert'sandVan'saffections.WhentheregimentseesactioninCuba,theboys'intenserivalryturnsintofriendship;andwhenBertiswounded,VancarrieshimbacktobaseinSanJuan,wherehediesahero.Attheendofthewar,VancarriesthenewstoDolly;later,withtheinaugurationofRooseveltasPresident,VanandDollycometothereceptionwiththeirtwochildren.






