This biographical fiction traces the life of a young doctor as a fugitive from justice after committing a heinous crime. He escapes to east Africa where he establishes a new successful life in a British protectorate, which is troubled by demands for independence. After ten years on the run he is apprehended and returned to England, where he is given a long and often fearful prison sentence. On release he tries to settle but he decides to return to Africa, where he is reunited with his family. Tragedy strikes. Finally, forlorn and alone, he assesses his life.