Captain Cod asks Davy to be careful moving cannonballs about, but poor Davy ignores him and ends up dropping a heavy cannonball through a hatch where it goes right through the keel causing a leak. Davy is so embarrassed he shuts the hatch and goes to bed. The next morning, he wakes up to find the bottom of the boat is full of water. He decides it's time he owns up and bravely goes to see the captain. But will it be too late to save the ship? Will Davy get into trouble for not being honest in the first place?

The books in the 'Pirates to the Rescue' series are designed to help children to recognise the virtues of generosity, honesty, politeness and kindness. Reading these books with children will help them to understand that their actions and behaviour have a real effect on people around them. The books will help young readers to recognise what is right and wrong and what to do when faced with difficult choices.

Notes for parents, guardians and teachers are included at the end of the story to help give starting points for discussion and follow-up activities to help encourage positive behaviour.