*Disclaimer* I read these chapters in an abridged version without realizing it at first.
Our story begins with a couple of sailors telling tales of their adventures on the seas, especially of all the gold that they almost secured, but thankfully they know where to return to finally claim this treasure. A young man, still a school boy, is passing and perks up at the hearing of these tales. Known to be the local bully, though with good intentions, he is a strong and stout hearted boy. He asks to see a relic, a map carved in a bone, being passed around as evidence of the veracity of these sailors' claims. He pledges that his heart yearns for the sea and he wants to travel with the sailors, Mr. Oxenham and Salvation Yeo, on their next voyage, and asks to buy this relic. Mr. Oxenham happens to know the boy's father and invites himself to dine with the family, as well as the honorable Sir Richard Grenville.
The young man, Amyas Leigh, has never told his parents about his longing for the sea, but he goes home and does so now. Mr. Oxenham arrives and spins his tales, asking for young Amyas to be allowed to travel with him to sea. He does not succeed in obtaining his request, however, as Mr. Leigh replies that Amyas needs to learn to be a gentleman first, and then be trained properly as a sailor. Mr. Oxenham is disappointed and as he is getting ready to leave, he sees a white bird that is invisible to everyone else, which is a bad omen for his upcoming journey.
Life goes on for young Amyas. His father trains his further in the ways of a true gentleman, in hunting and riding and sport. His brother Frank moves out of the home and is travelling abroad to study. Mr. Leigh dies and Amyas asks Sir Richard Grenville to act as his father. He continues to go to school and bully his classmates, including the teacher's son. After a brawl with the teacher himself, in which Amyas cracked a slate over his head, Amyas is soon sent on a sailing expedition with Sir Francis Drake himself.
He returns five years later much respected and honored as he reunites with his family and friends in his hometown of Bideford. The town throws a great welcome celebration and pageant for Amyas and the four other sailors who are returning. Amyas is disappointed that one person whom he would particularly like to see is not there - Rose Salterne, the mayor's daughter and the girl that he could not get out of his thoughts during those years away at sea. She is the desire of all the men in the county, and has more suitors than she knows what to do with. Her father has kept her away from the celebration to keep her from falling for Amyas, for a merchant's daughter like herself ought not to throw herself at the son of a gentleman.
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