Young David Fernley is determined to escape the drudgery of his life as a Yorkshire farmh&. Setting off for the coast, his aim is to join the whaling fleet at Whitby, to earn his living on the stormy & icy Arctic seas. Although he has few sailing skills, a captain soon recognises his worth for David is strong & unafraid of danger. David is followed to the small fishing town by Ruth, his childhood sweetheart, her heart set on marriage. Passionate & proud, she is sure to be a worthy wife. Yet David is drawn to another's betrothed: the pretty, gentle Jenny. & it is Jenny's bright red shawl that David searches for on the cliff-tops on his return from the long months at sea.