Tim had only gone a short way on his dangerous homeward journey when a tremendous wave rushed down upon him.

He leapt for the rigging and then looked round. There was no boat, no Ginger, and no cat. Tim is the second ship's boy aboard Captain McFee's new ship.The first ship's boy is Ginger, who is a bully and a coward.

But when a fierce storm hits the ship, it's up to Tim to go to Ginger's rescue.