The feud between two barge-operating families along the Thames and Wey rivers turns into intense animosity after George Cartwright’s father dies during a clash with Billy, the son of his archenemy Nathaniel Cryer.

The cause of death was a heart attack, but Billy is accused of murder, found guilty and sentenced to be transported. Later, he is wrongly reported to have drowned in a storm off Antigua.

Despite the family feud, the Cartwrights continue to thrive and expand their business by trading on the rivers and contributing to the construction of the Basingstoke Canal. Meanwhile, Nat Cryer’s envy and desire for revenge only intensify.

Although the main characters in the story are not real, the plot takes place in a historically accurate setting that includes various notable figures from the time when the canals were initially built. The background details have been thoroughly researched to ensure authenticity.