"In the whole history of the English people there is no period so absolutely heroic, so full of enthralling interest, as that in which the might of England made itself apparent by land and sea. That was indeed a golden time—an age of great venture and enterprise—a period wherein men's hearts were set on personal valor and bravery—the day of great deeds and of courage most marvelous. To write down a catalogue of all the names that then were glorious, to make a list of all the daring deeds that then were done—this were an impossible task for the most painstaking of statisticians, the most conscientious of historians and chroniclers." The historical fiction novel 'In the Day of Drake' is however such an attempt by author J S Fletcher. Young Master Salkeld is left orphaned at an early age and when he grows up he seeks out adventure accompanied by his cousin Jasper.