John Bull and Alfie Turps are two friends having a drink at the "Fat Duck Inn". Both of them are knocked unconscious and hours later find themselves on a ship bound for Spain. They've been kidnapped by a privateer. When they regain consciousness they're given the opportunity to either join the crew or be thrown overboard. They both choose the former. And so their life at sea begins, and they love it. On one of his voyages to Bristol, John visits Lucy who is a past lover. She is an Innkeeper. She becomes pregnant, but John doesn't know about it as he has returned to Spain. When he returns, he's overjoyed at the news that he's the father of James, but alas he can't stay long. Whilst he's away Lucy is pestered by a bully that has moved into the village. John deals with the bully but has to see off his crew to Spain and takes Lucy. He returns to find the Inn destroyed. The bully and his son were seen setting the fire, they die mercilessly. Only young James can see the ghost of a boy. He's lost his toy ship.