Tom doesn't know it but his family in the Big House is under great pressure. His father has had huge losses in business; his mother is always sad and worried, and his sisters have no hopes for a good future.

This is seventeenth century Ireland when cut-throat interests control everybody and everything, and land-grabbing is the order of the day. Friend turns into foe, and loyalty counts for nothing. From his new family, Tom learns all about boats and smuggling - and secret treasure. And then Tom discovers the best-kept secret of all ...