Publisher's Synopsis
The first person narrator, David Balfour, begins the novel by introducing his journey from his home, Essendean, in 1751. He walks with the minister of Essendean, Mr. Campbell, for some of the way. David feels that with his parents dead, it is the time to move on. David's father had asked the minister to deliver a letter to his son. With the letter, David can travel to the Shaws, once home to his father. David never knew that his poor father was related to such a high family. The minister tells David to continue studying the Bible and gives David four gifts: money for his father's books, a Bible, a shilling, and a recipe. The latter three have symbolic meaning. Mr. Campbell hurries away because of his sadness regarding David's departure. When David arrived at the Shaws, an old man peered out with a gun. David told the man that he had a letter of introduction. After hearing David's last name and a great pause, the man asked if David's father was dead. The old man answered his own question and reluctantly let the boy in. David was surprised to learn that this old man was his uncle. Ebenezer led the boy to a bedroom. The darkness was overwhelming but Ebenezer refused to find a light. In morning, David had to bang to be let out. The old man seemed very miserly. During breakfast, Ebenezer told the boy that he would find employment for him. David said that he had not willfully sought his uncle. David remembered the people who warned him against Ebenezer and told his uncle about one. Angered, Ebenezer started to leave, telling David that he would have to wait outside. David refused. Finally Ebenezer decided not to leave.
