R. M. Ballantyne 
Fugitives 

Set in Madagascar during the reign of Queen Ranavalona I, 'The Fugitives’ is an adventure novel by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne which is steeped in history. An unlikely trio consisting of a sailor, a ships cook, and a medical student find themselves washed up on the island following an attack on their ship. They must seek help, but encounter new dangers round every corner in this unfamiliar, yet awe-inspiring country. –