The book begins with Keith's leading the project of building of the railroad from Pacific to Atlantic in Costa Rica. While building the railroad, Keith planted and eventually exported bananas to North America. Keith's efforts not only provided better paying jobs to the area, they also built schools, hospitals and imported consumer goods for people living in previously isolated parts of the country. Eventually Keith merged his operations with two other producers to form United Fruit Co which later became Chiquita. Keith is portrayed as an ambitious, energetic and honorable fellow.