Easterner Jack Hare comes west to improve his health, but is mistaken for a cattleman's spy by outlaws. He is saved from certain death by Mormon rancher August Naab and taken into Naab's family. Hare thrives working hard outdoors and herding sheep. He falls in love with half-Navajo herder Mescal, but she is pledged to be second wife to Naab's son Snap, who is an ill-tempered drunk. How Hare solves this conflict and helps save Naab's cattle and ranch from an evil rustler in the harsh but beautiful desert is a compelling story from a master writer. -- adapted from back cover.