In 18th century France, Jacques, an orphan, must find a way to survive. He makes his way to Versailles, the chateau of King Louis XVI. His adventures there include befriending Benjamin Franklin, a boy named Jean, a ride on a quagga, and adventures with a capuchin monkey fascinated with the world's first hot air balloons. It is a world that glitters with diamonds and gold, but trouble is on the way. Once again, Jacques must find a way to survive.