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.