Unsure of his place in the world, David Balfour, a poor orphan, sets out to find his destiny. Upon learning that he is part of the prestigious Balfour family of the Shaws, he seeks out his kin. He finds one-- a long-lost, grouchy uncle he never knew existed, who is unhappy at the arrival of his missing nephew. Thus begins a struggle between the two for the family fortune, leading to some very exciting and dangerous adventures