Twelve-year-old Charlie is down on his luck: His dad just died, the share crops are dry, and Cap'n Buck, the most fearsome man in Possum Moan, says Charlie's dad owes him money--a lot of money. Unable to pay back his father's debt, Charlie strikes a deal with Cap'n Buck and agrees to accompany him to Canada in pursuit of a group escaping slavery. Once the fugitives are returned, the debt will be repaid. It's not too bad of a bargain for Charlie... until he comes face-to-face with the runaways he's supposed to capture. As he begins to sympathize with the fugitives, it becomes increasingly difficult for Charlie to comply with Cap'n Buck's commands. Torn between his guilty conscience and fearing for his life, Charlie needs to figure out his next move--and soon. It's only a matter of time before Cap'n Buck catches on.