As Director of Intelligence in the Ministry of Information John Buchan was in a position to gain knowledge about the first world war and the investigations that took place. Andrew Garvald is a young Scottish merchant who arrives in the American colonies ready to make his fortune. His opposing the London traders' monopoly looses him favor with the society of Virginia. With the help of his friends Red Ringan, a pirate and gentleman adventurer and Shalah, an exiled Indian prince Garvald must face his foe. The love of a beautiful lady and the existence of Virginia hang in the balance.