It is 1793 in Woodstock, Conn. and Stoddard Chandler has finished his schooling and been accepted at Yale. The only trouble is that he hasn't told his father he won't be working on the farm. It is a confrontation he dreads.

And then General McClellan's thoroughbred stallion is stolen and the Theft Detecting Society with Stoddard bringing up the rear, takes up the chase only to surrender their pursuit, when it becomes clear that the only chance of getting the horse back lies with Eben Stroud.

When Stroud singles out Stoddard to help him it begins an astonishing summer for young Mr. Chandler. Under the tutelage of Eben Stroud he learns to track and stalk and to shoot with exceptional skill. He also witnesses the depths to which humans can sink.

The book is told in three stories: Eben Stroud, Why Charity Phillips had to Die, and the Witch at Kerner's Cross, all of which occur during the summer of 1793, a dry summer with drought threatening the crops and shortening every one's temper.

And then Reverend Pell from the East Parish, once again raises his flock against the Witch at Kerner's Cross. Only Stoddard Chandler stands in their way.

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