They enjoy sailing wooden boats that they make off the numerous beaches, but the tide carries their favourite one across to a forbidden bay.

Daring to go to the Birdman's beach, Daniel and Gracie find the missing boat on the sand with a message written in stones, left by the hermit.

Daniel's father is a violent man who has to work extra hard to feed his large family of seven children.

The local school is on a nearby island and ruled by Mr Welbeloved, who struggles to get the young pupils to study.

Born as Mr Woodcock on Samson, he tells the children that, when he was a small boy, a group of narwhals were beached and slaughtered by the islanders for their valuable horns.

The First World War begins, and Gracie's father decides to go and fight in the Navy; as an experienced sailor, he feels it is his duty.

Getting lost in a thick fog they accidentally land on Samson, discovering the dry well, the graves of the old islanders and one of the narwhal horns.

The islanders gather around to comfort Clem and Gracie and the Birdman delivers gifts of produce, fish, honey, and eggs.

After a great storm, Daniel, Gracie and the Birdman discover a beached narwhal and attempt to get it back into the sea, but it is too heavy.

Daniel's oldest brother and some local boys set fire to the Birdman's cottage because they think he is signaling to the enemy, but he is actually stopping ships from getting beached on the dangerous rocks or getting caught by the curse.