As HMS Success nears it destinations, Jack Vincent finds himself facing a struggle for his sanity. Two old enemies, one of whom has him totally at his mercy - and swears to make Vincent's life hell.

Having overpowered his enemy, Vincent casts Anderson adrift - only to find himself and his makeshift crew at the mercy of a violent storm. Shipwrecked, they find themselves marooned.

Marooned on a coral island, Vincent and the other castaways find themselves befriended by a tribe of Maori natives. But are they as friendly as they first appear?

A ship arrives: the Sea Wolf. Its captain, De Witt, is a jovial and unscrupulous trader who is planning to dupe the Maoris over the purchase of muskets. Vincent, however, sees a chance for him and his companions to escape.

Vincent, Mason and Pat sail away from the Maori village on board the captured Sea Wolf: Maru has been tricked into accompanying them. As Vincent explores De Witt's cabin he finds vital information in his journal. Information that leads him to change the ships course and head for a small island.

Their quest for the hidden pearls has led Vincent and his companions to the very island where Anderson is encamped with his men; they know where the pearls are hidden but realise it is right in the middle of Anderson's stockade. Vincent and Maru evolve an ingenious plan.

Vincent, wounded by a shot from Anderson, escapes the island with Pat and the pearls.

Grindall has been killed in his attempt to murder Vincent and seize control of the Sea Wolf. Sovay is saved from the prospect of being taken to the penal colony.Sovay is fascinated by the pearls and by the freedom that they represent.

The others are furious when Vincent returns to the Sea Wolf without the pearls.

The Sea Wolf has been commandeered by the sinister Ben Frobisher, 'prophet' of his own invented gospel of Malachi.

The marooned Mason, Maru, Pat and Li see a chance of escape but run into deeper danger than before. Vincent is now free of Frobisher, but can he help them. Anderson has been taken off the island by Captain Beckett.

Maru has become leader of his tribe and forces Vincent, Mason, Anderson and Li to join him in fighting the rival Ngati Miru tribe. Both sides have been armed with muskets, but Maru and his men have to cross the water, making their weapons useless.