Since the death of his mother, John lives a wandering life. He runs away from his home and loiters about Lucknow, where his father, an English officer in the Indian army, is stationed. When the 1857 Indian mutiny starts, John is caught outside the residency of officers. A holy man warns him of his danger if, in spite of his native disguise, he is recognised as English. The boy has no alternative but to accept the protection of the holy man and leave...