Part 2, Chapter 3 Summary

Martin Decoud is a native of Costaguana though he has spent most of his life in Paris. He has made a life out of his cross-cultural connections, though he, himself, has little or no real influence either in Costaguana or Paris. In Costaguana, the locals think he has high-level connections in European society that he does not really have. He looks down on Costaguana. He writes articles on European society for Costaguana and Costaguanan articles for Europe. One of these articles attracts the attention of the Ribiera party in Sulaco. They ask Decoud to come to Costaguana to accompany a donation of modern rifles to the Ribiera forces.

On arriving in Sulaco with the weapons, Decoud intends to return quickly to Europe. When he meets Antonia Avellanos, his plans change because he falls instantly in love with her. He takes an...