On the voyage back to England from the East Indies, the ship carrying Jack and Stephen catches fire. They take to a small boat and endure a long open sea voyage until they are picked up by the frigate Java — just before she is taken by the American Constitution. Jack is injured and he and Stephen are taken to Boston. Stephen meets Diana there, living with a man named Johnstone. This man, and his French allies, figure out that Stephen is a spy. Stephen is attacked and kills two men. He and Jack have to sneak out of the city, with Diana along. She has decided at last to marry Stephen. They take a small boat out to the frigate Shannon which is blockading Boston Harbor. The captain issues a challenge to the American Chesapeake which comes out to do battle. The British ship captures the American in just 15 minutes.

Excellent book, exciting and believable, a most unusual combination.