Harper's Young People, September 13, 1881 An Illustrated Weekly

In a quiet Mississippi town a teenage boy, Bob, feels the weight of responsibility after his father's death. With his younger brother Ned in tow, he decides to leave home, driven by a fierce desire to support his widowed mother and sisters. The boys' departure sparks gossip and worry among townsfolk, who see their choice as reckless, yet the brothers carry with them a heartfelt letter that reveals their true intentions.

Bob's plan leads them to a remote swamp where an old family friend offers a chance to work untamed land for free. Armed with only a mule, a cart, and a sliver of hope, the brothers set out to turn the swampland into a source of income, confronting the hardships of isolation and the unfamiliar world of frontier labor. Their determination and youthful optimism promise an adventure that tests both their resolve and their bond.