This "vivid and compelling story of the American Revolution" is set in
Salem in 1774, when people were either Tories or Whigs and the growing
violence between the two groups split Salem and its people. Daniel West
and his widowed doctor father were undeniably Tories, and neither tax
nor tea nor wild acts by the rowdy Liberty Boys could weaken their
loyalty to the king. After a series of disappointments, from his father
and from England, Daniel disappoints himself on a night when all of
Salem goes wild. Eventually Daniel comes to terms with himself and makes
his difficult decision. And in a major confrontation between the British
troops and the townspeople, he proudly supports his chosen side.