As he sets off into the world to seek his last remaining kinsman, Uncle Ebenezer, young David Balfour has no idea of the hazards and intrigues that the encounter will bring. He finds his uncle to be a decrepit, miserly man, and soon realizes that Ebenezer is also a liar. But before he can fathom his machinations, David is tricked into boarding the brig Covenant, and bound for slavery in distant Carolina...

Overcoming the perils of sea and the turbulent fortunes that befall him after he is shipwrecked - including a charge of murder - David ultimately emerges triumphant to claim his rightful heritage.