Max longs for adventure. His sister, Ellie, of Ellieís New Home and The Freezing Moon is too bossy. His father expects him to help on the farm all the time, but never gives him any real responsibility. When Maxís pig, Hambone, is slaughtered, Max is devastated and resolves to run away, to live with the lumberjacks. Instead, he finds himself bundled off to stay with his uncle, the miller at The Landings, a man who expects obedience and hard work. There, adventure finally comes to Max when he least expects it.