Herman and Lorna Provident and their eight children live in an impoverished community known as Baxter's Yard. The family's expectation of improving their situation rests on Victor, their oldest child, an outstanding student both academically and athletically. Through the help of their wealthy landlord and benefactor, Victor receives a scholarship to attend a prestigious school. As expected, Victor excels. He makes friends with some of the children of Au Tabor's upper crust - boys whose skills match his own -- and for a time, straddles two worlds: that of Baxter's Yard, where his very existence is circumscribed by forces outside his control, and that of his friends who have near total autonomy over theirs. Upon graduation, Victor is awarded a scholarship to continue his studies in England but tragedy strikes before he can leave the island.