This novel is set in 1885 in Egypt and Sudan and follows the adventures of two children, Staś and Nel, after they are kidnapped by their servant Chamis. During their journey, they encounter lions, elephants, and the Mahdi uprising. They make friends with their fellow captives Kali and Mea and learn to survive in the wilderness. After many dangerous encounters, they are eventually rescued by Nel's father with the help of one of their message kites.