the setting aboard the whaling ship Delaware, where René struggles with his desire to escape the harsh life of a sailor under the stern Captain Lewis. Careful to keep his intentions secret, he resolves to make a break for freedom as the ship approaches a small island. His friend Adolph tries to dissuade him, warning of the dangers that lie ahead should he encounter the native people alone. Meanwhile, although René successfully escapes to the island's interior, he is quickly pursued by locals who are initially friendly but driven by the promise of a reward from the ship's crew. As he navigates this precarious situation, he encounters a young island girl who intervenes, providing him with a warning against being captured and hinting at a possible refuge, suggesting the story will continue to unfold in a blend of peril and romance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)