Abandoned as a child and neglected by those of his own race, Rufus had grown up amongst the natives and half-castes of Thursday Island. Perrine, visiting the island, is attracted and intrigued by his strength and noble bearing; and he, falling in love with the beautiful, uncondescending girl, entrusts to her care a magnificent pearl for the possession of which Toledo, a rascally Chilean, has already tried to murder him.
Then Perrine learns of Rufus' romantic origin, but before she can reveal the truth Toledo abducts her.
(Publisher's blurb, printed on page facing title page.)
