The wily George Abercrombie Fox somehow survives the burning fireship he has steered into a French harbour, thereby saving Cloughton's expedition from disaster. But back in England Fox finds that it is not courage that brings a command and a ship in the in the King's Navy. Sophy Kintlesham, that plain and plump young girl who flowered into a beautiful woman, who haunts G.A. Fox's infrequent dreams, is also not to be won by tales of valour alone. Frustrated at every turn, Fox is only too happy to accept a post in the expedition to Egypt even if it does mean discomfort, deprivation and danger.