Thomas can't remember a moment in his young life when he was not afraid of the sea. Even the volcano is not as frightening. Yet it is the sea that washes him down the coast a way and a wave that deposits his unconscious body into the mouth of a gulch where searchers do not find him. The overturned boat is righted, the search is called off, and his parents are forced onto the ship that takes the islanders to England for three years, thinking Thomas is dead.

After seeing a boat party return to shoot dogs that might kill off the island livestock, Thomas determines not to reveal himself in order to protect  his dog from the same fate. Thus, he take on the task of surviving until the islanders return--if the islanders return.

This is a work of fiction occurring during a historical event. In 1961, Tristan da Cunha Island with its small population of hardy souls, is rocked by quakes proving the geological description of the volcano as extinct quite wrong. Huge stone columns broke away from the 2000 foot cliffs behind the village, rolling dangerously close to the houses. Then a new cone rose nearby. It was time to go. Small boats ferried them out to a passing ship and they were taken to England where they remained until, after three years, they insisted on returning.

Thomas' story begins during the evacuation when he hears someone still on shore shout that they should kill the dogs to protect their livestock. Thomas jumps up and overturns the boat. The rough ocean waves and current carry him away. When his disappearance is discovered, a search doesn't find him and it has been so long he is surely drowned, and the volcano is threatening--so the grieving parents are made to go thinking their son is dead.

I have historical information about a few small parties come to the island for scientific research--as well as to shoot the dogs. Thomas refuses to reveal his presence, hiding from them to protect his dog, Binka. He uses the resources of the island to survive alone (except for Binka and his donkey Shag) for three years. Imagine the surprise when the islanders return to find a grownup Thomas and all he has done in their absence.