But danger threatens David from his uncle Ebenezer. Ebenezer first tries to kill his nephew by throwing him down the railingless stairs in darkness and thunderstorms. But David survives and Ebenezer's latest plan succeeds, Ebenezer lures him aboard the Brigantine Covenanter, to let him deported to America. In search of David, the young rebels daughter Catriona goes. On board David is gangden. The only one to whom David relies on the ship is Alan Breck, envoy of the Scottish throne candidate and a dreaded rebel. The captain wants to assassinate Breck, but David thwarts the plans.