It was a windy morning in November, 1577. A mysterious fleet of five ships was preparing to sail from Plymouth Harbor, England.

What was their destination?

Not even the sailors aboard knew. Rumor said they were going to Alexandria for trade. Why then did they go so well armed with cannon and ammunition?

Francis Drake, the young captain-general to this little fleet, stood on the dock waiting to go aboard his flagship, the Golden Hind. The sun danced on his silver breastplate. He waved his scarlet sea cap in farewell to the crowd. The wind tossed his reddish-brown hair.

Drake smiled to himself for he alone knew the answer to the mystery. He knew that his fleet was off to far greater adventures that mere trade. His beloved Queen Elizabeth had given her approval for this trip that was to search for an unknown continent, discover a northwest passage, and, if possible, open up a route to the Spice Islands.

Through terrible suffering, near mutiny, and fantastic storms, Drake kept sailing westward. At last his ships returned, heavy-laden with Spanish gold, silver, and precious jewels, a rich reward for his Queen.

From the dust jacket