Sackett's Land

Plot

This is the first half of the story of Barnabus, the patriarch of the Sackett clan, and his migration to North America in 1600. His saga begins when he discovers a purse of gold coins in the mud of Devil's Dyke in Finland. On the run from English authorities, he meets and marries Abigail Tempany, the daughter of a sea captain. Nick Bardle, the master of a merchant vessel, the Jolly Jack, is half pirate, ready to take any advantage of any activity promising a profit. He shanghais Barnabus, intending to lose him overboard somewhere en route to the Indies. But, Barnabus proves too good a seaman to waste, and his murder is delayed too long. He and others escape and travel inland.