Magnus Macduff is lured away from his beloved island of Sula when he wins a painting competition and goes to the mainland to collect his prize. But Magnus is fiercely independent and escapes back to the remote island at the first opportunity, followed by a new friend: a wild Duke, whose ability with music matches Magnus' own skill at drawing and painting.

Familiar characters, including Magnus's Gran and Old Whiskers, reappear in this second collection of Magnus's exciting adventures.