This story takes place in a fictional town called Cripple Creek, Kentucky, a coal mining town, and in Middlesboro, Kentucky, an actual town. It begins with the miners on strike. The owner of the mine hires some men to try and cross the picket line and go in the mine to keep it working. These men and the miners have a gun battle and after it is over a body is found. The county sheriff is called to investigate. During the investigation he learns that the dead man has a sister who lives just over the state line in Virginia. She is notified about her brotheras death and comes to Kentucky to make arrangements for the funeral and burial of her brother. Later on she decides to sell her place in Virginia and move into her brotheras house in Kentucky. She and the sheriff fall in love.