In David Balfour , Robert Louis Stevenson crafts a gripping coming-of-age tale set in 18th-century Scotland. After his father's death, young David inherits little but a mysterious letter directing him to the House of Shaws. There, he encounters his miserly uncle Ebenezer, who plots against him. Betrayed and kidnapped, David finds himself aboard the ship Covenant , where he befriends the outlaw Alan Breck Stewart. Together, they face danger, adventure, and betrayal across the Scottish Highlands. This journey shapes David's character, teaching him courage, loyalty, and resilience while uncovering secrets about his family's past.