Dickson McCunn, now 60, hosts a supper for two of his friends, Jaikie Gait ant Dougal Crombie, who are taking a walking holiday in the region. They will become involved in the possible abduction of a publisher and influential writer who has great interest in the troubles in the European country of Evallonia. That nation is undergoing civil distress with monarchists determined to re-seat a ruler over the current democratic government. McCunn's personal part in the matter will involve his trying to help Prince John, the would-be ruler, escape intended assassination by communist hunting him.