The children are looking forward to going on holiday with Bill and Allie. School is over and the summer stretches ahead. Bill is summoned to his offer and instructed by Sir George to guard the future prince of Tauri-Hessia who has had a kidnap attempt made on him.
The family are going on a river boating holiday in Turkey. Bill gets a phone call from Sir George. They have to meet. The family suspect their holiday will be canceled.
The family have come to Wellington, New Zealand for a combined holiday and business trip. They are met by Bill's friend, another agent, called Dennis.