Shad Parker is fleeing the bad memories of his wife and children being killed during Sheridan's march through the Shenandoah Valley. He currently has made his home in a plain cabin near Gilead, Texas drinking and avoiding contact with people.

On the same day, the Keeshaw brothers drop in on him on their way to Gilead to rob the local bank and three children fleeing life in an orphanage choose to hide in a cave on his farm. Meanwhile in the town of Gilead, several personal stories are coming to a head involving the banker and his mistress, the prostitute who has decided to leave town and her lover, the local sheriff and the Deputy who has impregnated his girlfriend and is facing his doubts of his future as a lawman.

All these story threads will come to a head and solution when the Keeshaw's make their move. This is a fast moving yarn with the children playing a major role in the plot. ( )