In the midst of the fragile peace of 1802, trouble looms between England and France. A wrecked French gold shipment lies stranded on the rocks of a Scottish island. A prize of such unimaginable value can't be ignored by either side, regardless of the cost. Only a totally deniable force can be sent to retrieve the prize for king and country, but amongst the thieves and cut-throats selected, can any one of them be trusted? This is the third of the 'Rib Bone Jack' adventures, following the roguish youngster into a whole new level of warfare, once more with the stakes stacked against him and as ever, his fate being manipulated by the ever more sinister Major.