By Right of Sword is the story of a master swordsman Hamylton Tregethner, who decides to leave England in disgrace admitting that he has messed up everything over there. He reveals that he is going to Russia and hopes he gets killed by Turkish bullets in the country. But an encounter gives him a new idea to disguise himself as a Russian nihilist, Rupert Balestier, whose sister had supported Hamylton in the decision. The novel is packed with action and drama; its absorbing plot and incredibly portrayed characters contribute to the novel's success.