George and his family, like many others during the industrial revolution, are struggling for money. So, at the age of just nine, George joins his father underground, hewing coal in the local mine.

Though George’s dreams are far away from this dangerous work, his love for his father and drive to fulfil his responsibility settle him to this fate. Not long after he starts work, a summer storm leads to flooding in the mine.

Trapped down in the dark, George spots a shadowy figure, familiar from his story book. It reminds him also of his uncle, who met his own fate in these mines, and it seems to be telling George to follow him.