London, 1887. While the British Empire is at its peak and influences the majority of the world, the majority of the population of London lives amid poverty and crime. Basil and Victoria are part of the thousands of orphans who survive by selling rats and whose only home is the docks. Helped by Cromwell, their faithful watchdog, the trio will wander from the streets of Whitechapel to lands far and wide, meet famous historical and literary figures along the way, and all the while bicker lovingly. Edith and the legendary Yann have created a magnificent and funny social fable in pure Dickensian tradition.