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Short Summary:
The first person narrator, David Balfour, begins the novel by introducing his journey from his home, Essendean, in 1751. He walks with the minister of Essendean, Mr. Campbell, for some of the way. David feels that with his parents dead, it is the time to move on. David's father had asked the minister to deliver a letter to his son. With the letter, David can travel to the Shaws, once home to his father. David never knew that his poor father was related to such a high family. The minister tells David to continue studying the Bible and gives David four gifts: money for his father's books, a Bible, a shilling, and a recipe. The latter three have symbolic meaning. Mr. Campbell hurries away because of his sadness regarding David's departure.
When David arrived at the Shaws, an old man peered out with a gun. David told the man that he had a letter of introduction. After hearing David's last name and a great pause, the man asked if David's father was dead. The old man answered his own question and reluctantly let the boy in. David was surprised to learn that this old man was his uncle. Ebenezer led the boy to a bedroom. The darkness was overwhelming but Ebenezer refused to find a light. In morning, David had to bang to be let out. The old man seemed very miserly. During breakfast, Ebenezer told the boy that he would find employment for him. David said that he had not willfully sought his uncle. David remembered the people who warned him against Ebenezer and told his uncle about one. Angered, Ebenezer started to leave, telling David that he would have to wait outside. David refused. Finally Ebenezer decided not to leave.
The old man told David that he had promised David's father that he would save the boy money. In return, his uncle asked for help. David was told about an unfinished tower of the house. At the top of a staircase was a chest the old man wanted. David tried climbing the stairs until a flash of lightening came, displaying to David that the walls were not finished and the stairs were of different lengths. Angered, he continued to climb. He came to a spot where the stairs completely stopped. His uncle had sent him to die. Inside, David snuck up behind his uncle. The man fell in shock. Seeing that his uncle was not breathing, David splashed water on his face. Ebenezer promised to explain in the morning so David locked him in his bedroom for the night.
David was confident that he had the upper hand. The next morning, David asked Ebenezer to explain. Before he could, a small boy named Ransome arrived with a message for Ebenezer. Captain Hoseason wished to see him, giving he and David a chance to visit Ebenezer's lawyer who could verify Ebenezer's position. David felt he would be safe in town. David talked to the boy and learned of the tortuous life aboard the ship. Spying the boat, Covenant in the distance, David told Ebenezer that he never step on board the ship. Ebenezer agreed. Ebenezer met with Captain Hoseason but David decided he would rather see the ocean than listen. At the inn, David learned that his father had been the older brother, meaning that the Shaws legally belonged to David. Finding Ebenezer and the Captain outside, Hoseason invited David to board the ship. Hesitant, David declined but the Captain whispered in his ear that the old man was working mischief. David agreed to come aboard. As they approached the ship, Hoseason thrust David on board. Suddenly, David noticed that his uncle was retreating to the shore. David yelled for help but was knocked unconscious.