It is the age of Napoleon. France and England are at war, and Peyrol, a retired naval gunner living in the countryside beyond Toulon, distrusts all landsmen and their slogans.
He even distrusts Eugene Real, a naval lieutenant who frequently stays at the inn where Peyrol lodges. But he correctly assesses Real's usefulness to a plan he devises to mislead the English about French intentions.
Peyrol's plot succeeds brilliantly. It even fools the great Admiral Nelson, no mean judge of a ruse. But Peyrol, alas, loses his life and we feel, as we finish this book, such is the author's grip on us, that we have just parted for the last time from a dear friend and companion.