Johnny made a promise to his father, who was wounded fighting for the South. He promised to take care of the family and not run off to fight. Without Pa, Johnny s family can barely scrape by. But when there s an offer to take his mules and wagon on a bold mission to supply the Rebel troops, Johnny can t resist. Then he s captured by a Yankee Cush, a runaway slave. Johnny doesn t like taking orders from a black. But he s got no choice. He s bound for prison camp, tormented by his broken promise and wondering what will become of his family and himself."