The eldest member of the Butler clan returns from India to New York after having been gone from the United States for over twenty years. He had been forced out by the new sultan who had confiscated his property with its diamond operation. He meets with his grandson and, because of the boy's interest, tells him the exciting story of his life. It is a story of gold, silver, diamonds and pearls. The grandson, James Washington Butler, goes onto have many exciting and challenging responsibilities of his own because of his knowledge of foreign languages.