Lemuel, sixteen when he is sentenced to be transported to the other side of the world, maintains his innocence, but no one believes him. Following the voyage on a hell ship, where the gaoler Bulstrode makes life almost impossible, and Lemuel's companion, Collie Barnes, fails to complete the journey, his luck changes and he becomes a clerk to Mr Larkville. But he never forgets his oath to defeat the greedy Bulstrode. When his brothers, Tim and Percy, join him, new hazards arise, and with exploration, challenges from corrupt soldiers and the constant struggle to survive, Lemuel's life is full. But there are moments of delight to raise his spirits.