This book is written in first person and narrated by the main character of the story, Peter. Peter lives during the 1770s, just before the Revolutionary War. He comes to live with the Shinn family after his parents die. He struggles with feeling accepted by Mr. Shinn.  Peter assists Mr. Shinn in searching for two runaway bondsman.  In this search, Peter leaves the gun and must go back alone to find it.  While Peter is alone, he finds one of the bondsman, who is a young girl named Elizabeth.  Peter gets to know Elizabeth and struggles with whether to turn her in or help her escape.  In the end, Peter makes the right decision and helps Elizabeth and her friend, Robert escape to freedom. Peter also reconciles with Mr. Shinn and they become a real family.  This book gives the reader insight into what life was like during this time period.