
Set amid the uneasy borderlands of Kentucky during the early days of the Civil War, a New Hampshire family finds itself torn between loyalty to the Union and the pull of Southern allegiance. The Lyon brothers inherit a sprawling plantation and a host of enslaved workers, thrusting them into a community fraught with raids, heated meetings in schoolhouses, and a volatile clash between Unionists and secessionists.
When the local cavalry unit is formed, the brothers—Deck and Artie—answer the call, trading the quiet of the plantation for the thunder of hooves on open fields. Their natural bravery, sturdy health, and deep bond with a remarkable horse trained by Deck give them a distinct edge as they face their first skirmishes. Their early service showcases daring rides, quick thinking, and the fierce determination of young men eager to defend their ideals, setting the stage for a gripping tale of war, family, and honor.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (461K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Garcia, Sue Fleming and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Kentuckiana Digital Library)
Release date
2012-08-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1822–1897
A 19th-century American storyteller and educator, he wrote lively adventure books for young readers under the pen name Oliver Optic. His tales of ships, schools, and moral choices made him one of the best-known juvenile authors of his era.
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