A tale of the Huguenots in 1685-1695, for readers age 12-99, this tells of a family who endures tough times. The mother dies, early in the story, and the father is banished to a slave galley for life on a war ship. In spite of threats and punishment, 16-year-old John and his 10-year-old sister Manette, refuse to give up the faith they have been taught.