In the early Peninsular Period of the Napoleonic Wars, Captain John Phillips of the frigate HMS Resolve has captured an enemy privateer off the coast of Portugal. Having already sent those of his crew capable of navigating back with previous prizes, he finds himself scraping the bottom of the barrel. With nobody else left to take command of the captured brig, he puts his own son in charge. Midshipman Phillips has sailed with his father on several cruises and seems capable enough to bring the prize to the nearby port of Lisbon. Therefore, young Tim Phillips is given the temporary rank of Master's Mate and sent to the brig 'Droits du Citoyen' with a sufficient crew to make port. Following instructions from his parent, he follows the wake of HMS Resolve. During what was supposed to be a short voyage, a pair of enemy warships are encountered. One, a powerful French 40 gun frigate which immediately engages Resolve. The other, a smaller schooner which attacks 'Droits du Citoyen' with the view of re-capturing the prize. Some skillful maneuvering, as well as excellent gunnery practice enables the new Master's Mate to take the schooner, which had been weakened by having sent many of her crew away on prizes. The end of the action finds both Resolve and 'Droits' victorious, and two useful prizes are led back to the fleet off Lisbon. Admiral Sir Charles Cotton, upon learning of the feat, must consider what to do about recognizing the lad. Young Phillips is much too young to be promoted further but the admiral decides to purchase the prize into the fleet and utilize her to carry dispatches. Young Phillips will be left in command as Master's Mate.