Maqroll, Ilona, and Abdul all share a common dream: to sail the world in a tramp-steamer.  But who could afford such a thing?  Over the years they have become separated.  Alone in Panama City, smuggler Maqroll is finding neither great success nor happiness — until the tropical rains come, bringing Ilona: friend, lover, and partner in crime.  Abdul, in Morocco, has found a steamer to suit them.  In Panama, Ilona and Maqroll begin a new scheme, in search of impossible wealth.  But fate has further twists in store.