The Hidden Hand (1888) is an exuberant action comedy, featuring fearless Capitola Black, a self-styled female Don Quixote, and the prototype of innumerable adventure heroines. `At the touch of that ruthless hand, at the sound of that giving voice, all her faculties instantly collected and concentrated themselves upon the emergency. As by a flash of lighting she saw that every feature of her imminent danger - the loneliness of the woods, the lateness of the hour, the recklessness of her fearful companion, and her own weakness. In another instant her resolution was taken and her course determined.' Rescued from life on the streets in New York by a southern plantation owner, with his own reasons for befriending her, Capitola is too active and adventurous to settle for the life of a southern belle. Besides, the neighbourhood is infested with evil-doers - Black Donald, the notorious bandit, and Gabriel Le Noir, the owner of the plantation adjoining - combine to make her life full of excitement and peril. Serialized three times by popular demand before appearing in book form, The Hidden Hand exudes irresistible high spirits and cheer, and still retains the capacity to surprise and delight that enchanted its first readers. This book is intended for students of American fiction; women's fiction; nineteenth- century American fiction; and cultural studies, as well as general readers.