Someone must cover the war in Ishmaelia for the "Daily Beast" - can Mrs. Stitch arrange for the famous novelist John Boot to do the job?

By mistake, the mild-mannered and inexperienced William Boot is to be sent to Ishmaelia to cover the war.

Formerly the writer of "Nature Notes", William Boot is now expected to become a war correspondent.

Just who is this mystery man Baldwin and whose side is he on?

When Boot returns in wholly undeserved glory, Lord Copper arranges a banquet to celebrate.