The two sloops attacking the frigate are like hyenas at the tail of the lion. Donland in command of Oxford, fifty-four guns, joins the fight even though all three vessels are Spanish flagged. He sets himself on a path that risks his career and his ship. What follows is that Oxford is pitted against a French frigate and Spanish third-rate. Treachery and treason rear their ugly heads as France is embroiled in the beginnings of revolution.
Gaining command of Oxford came about in fulfillment of a promise. A promise, though made in good faith, is despised by Admirals and Donland suffers the consequences. Oxford, old and slow, her bottom covered in weed lies desolate at Port Royal, Jamaica. Powell, Andrews, Honest, Aldridge, Mathias Sumerford and Donland’s love, Betty Sumerford return in this exciting story of conflict in the Caribbean.