Taylor has captured the art of the nineteenth century mystery novel. He takes readers on a wild ride as the events unfold. The story begins with a poor, young school master's glimpse of a beautiful woman in a carriage. Through a series of events, he meets the woman because her son attends the school where he teaches, but he becomes involved with the family, complicating his life. The story involves the reader and rewards the reader with a good yarn as well as a variety of surprises.