It is 1803. Britain is at war with France. Edward Trefusis, to his clergyman father's dismay and his Rear-Admiral uncle's delight, is now a midshipman on the frigate HMS Fortune. What does his first voyage have in store for him? It brings him a terrible task which frightens and horrifies him. It puts him in a danger which not even the oldest sailor on board should have to undergo. But it's because he's a boy that only he can do it, though with a companion for whom he has nothing but withering contempt as well as deep-seated fear. He is soon to have everything he has been brought up to believe denied before his eyes. He is sadder and wiser and tested nearly to destruction. "Boys is men one day, your honour." Yes, but what sort of men can they be after this?