When young Dick Marshall, son of the Second Secretary at the American Embassy in Paris, and Pierre St. Just, son of a French diplomat, stumble upon a murdered British spy in a lonely French villa, they find themselves hopelessly caught in the heart of a high political drama that involved the leading powers of the world.  This is the throbbing tale of international intrigue, a gripping story of the secret war fought between spies and counterspies in Napoleon's France, preceding the Louisiana Purchase.  In the thick of this desperately fought conflict Dick and Pierre accidentally gain possession of a letter which could plunge half the world into war.  

Through three terrifying days ruthless English spies and French agents stalk the boys in their frantic flight to get the documents safely to the American Embassy in Paris.  There is the crack of pistols, the clash of swords, the violence of hand-to-hand fights—all skillfully woven into a yarn that thunders with excitement and suspense.

Arthur Groom, a famous British author, presents the story of history's most fantastic deal in an incredibly unique and exciting way.

Continent for Sale is one of the Winston Adventure Books—a series of tales based on the little-known incidents and nearly forgotten lives of unsung heroes that helped shape history.  Each book—with all the entertainment value of a good novel—tells a story that is fresh, and though not adequately covered in histories, has been thoroughly documented and is authentic in every detail.

From the dust jacket