"In Tennessee, 17-year-old Breckinridge Wallace knew the laws of nature. When his life was in danger, he showed a fearless instinct to fight back. Killing a thug who was sent to kill him got Breckinridge exiled from this Smoky Mountain home. Brutally wounding an Indian attacked earned him an enemy for life. Now, from the bustling streets of St. Louis to the vast stillness of The Missouri headwaters, Breckinridge is discovering a new world of splendor, violence, promise and betrayal. Most of all, he is clawing his way to manhood behind the law of the gun" -- from page [4] of cover.