The way Flint MacKeithan had it figured out, a Tennessee mountain man needed three things to make him happy and to keep him that way. He needed a good long rifle in the hoop of his left arm, a sharp hunting knife in his belt, and plenty of land all around him so that he could take a deep breath and stretch his arms without fear of knocking another man’s eye out. So he and fellow Tennessean Otey Higgins were aboard the General Jackson steaming toward Westport Landing heading for the western frontier.

Jay Bannerman appeared to be a fine-looking young man in his middle twenties, the perfect match for the beautiful golden-haired girl he was escorting around the deck. Later Flint spotted Bannerman alone on the darkened deck unaware of two shadows moving toward him from behind. Recognising the danger, Flint rushes to save the young man’s life. In return, Bannerman invites Flint and Otey to join his expedition to Santa Fe as hunters to keep the party in fresh meat when game is available. They accept, but it may end up being more of an adventure than they were seeking.