Richard is the son of a sea captain sent to a boarding school in North Yorkshire. He is rescued from the cruel environment by a friend of his father and becomes a cabin boy on a pre Captain Cook private venture to discover the great southern continent.Richard is the son of a sea captain sent to a boarding school in North Yorkshire. He is rescued from the cruel environment by a friend of his father and becomes a cabin boy on a pre Captain Cook private venture to discover the great southern continent. His ship battles storms, becalming, pirates and Richard is marooned on what would become known as New Zealand. He is rescued by a whaling ship becomes involved in America's war with the French then Britain, finds love in England only to incur the wrath of his love's father. Returns with his wife to an America fighting for independence and becomes involved with questionable naval tactics. Young Dick is a ripping good yarn.