"Hamlyn's Purlieu, a palatial estate, had belonged to the Allertons for 300 years. And with each generation the Allertons grew prouder. But at length Purlieu came into the hands of Fred Allerton: and the gods, blind for so long to the prosperity of this house, determined now, it seemed, to wreak their malice."

THE EXPLORER is the story of the Allertons, Fred and his children, as they deal with the loss of their birthright. Fred squanders the family fortune and dishonors the family name. His children, Lucy and George, try to pick up the pieces when what they assume is theirs is taken from them.