Royal Carter is the pride of his family and community, a cheerful young man with a quick mind and strong faith. When the Civil War begins, Royal enlists in the Union Army. Tom Majors signs up to fight with the Confederates. So when Royal comes home to Kentucky to recuperate from battle, he is surprised to see his friend. But an even greater surprise awaits him. Tom lost a leg in the Battle of Gettysberg. He no longer smiles. He refuses all offers of help. In the past, Tom had been excited, always looking towards the future. Now he has lost all hope.
