After soldiering in the Union Army and consequently being interned in a Confederate prison camp, Wilson McEwen is finally on his way home to the territories when he is ambushed by an unknown assailant. He is found near death on the road to Eagle Creek and taken home to be nursed by his old friend, Uncle Hy, and his sister-in-law, Sass, who was just a young girl when he left for the war. He learns that an erroneous telegram from the army has informed his wife, Elizabeth, that he has died in battle. As a result, she has left Billy-the son born after Wil left for war-with Sass; sold their prosperous cattle ranch; and left Eagle Creek with Wil's best friend, Mason Savage. While recuperating from his wounds on Uncle Hy's little farm, Wil and Billy at last become father and son. And Wil reluctantly becomes attracted to Sass. One crisis after another prevents Wil from going to find his wife and bringing her home. At last he learns the truth about those he left behind when he went to war. And he must decide what to do with his newfound knowledge.