The narrative follows a museum-led field party—two young assistants and their curator—on a sailing expedition into the Aru and New Guinea islands, moving from coastal landings into dense jungle. They face natural hazards, hostile encounters and local peoples, contend with dangerous wildlife and navigational perils, and explore volcanic and mineral sites while making scientific collections. Episodes include skirmishes, close animal encounters, and a desperate flight to the coast that culminates in an escape back to their island base, framed by camaraderie, resourcefulness, and practical survival skills.