JOHN, 13 and MARY, 11 discover an ancient dugout along with an old journal written by their GREAT-GRANDPA HOLT. As they read the old-fashioned writing, and wish they could see where he lived something strange happens, the dugout whirls around them, and everything goes black.
The pair ends up in North Carolina in the year 1813 during the War of 1812. Thrilled with his new surroundings, John wants to stay. Mary hates the loud crashing noise, the salty taste in the air, and the fishy smell, and is anxious to leave.
But when John and Mary receive a spyglass from a British prisoner, everything changes, and the adventures truly begin.