The alchemist's apprentice

Jack is on the run. Alone in the world with nowhere to turn, he finds himself on the banks of the Thames. He sees a strange object in the river, and decides to fish it out. In his search to find out its worth he meets the alchemist, Barnstable. Some people say he is mad, but could Barnstable really have discovered the secret of making gold, and will he share it with Jack? Suggested level: intermediate, secondary.