A runaway boy . . . A virtuous, “dry” town . . . A determined saloon owner . . .

In 1875, the Temperance Movement reveals the deep divide in the nation over alcohol. When Gilbert Freeman runs away from his Ohio farm, he plans to leave his troubles behind. Instead, he stumbles into the middle of the fierce fight to close the newlyopened saloon in the town of Westerville. His family stands against alcohol, but Gilbert finds a job with a saloon owner. Now he must choose one side or the other before his indecision breaks relations with Rose and other new-found friends. Worse, it may destroy the fragile tie he has with his father. The opposition to the new saloon erupts into real violence, and Gilbert decides to find the culprit. Will he add up the clues before someone gets hurt?