Ages 8-12

Abe is an angry old man who carries in his heart the secret pain of his daughter's and grandchild's death. His grief makes Old Abe intolerant towards everyone, but especially toward young boys. For the actions of a group of impulsive young boys caused the death of not only his daughter, but also of his grandchild. Old Abe’s anger and fear are dramatically overcome when he becomes the reluctant rescuer of another group of wild young boys. In the process, Old Abe receives a peace of mind and heart which prepares him for his final journey.  

As they settle into the cottage on the Overlaar estate for their summer vacation, the four friends — Paul, Roger, Herb and Eddie—look forward to a peaceful summer vacation of swimming, biking, hiking, and taking riding lessons on Skippy, Baron Rensdale’s prize horse. The first few days, however, bring them slashed tires, a mysterious prowler, and a deliberately set grass-fire. Paul suspects the events to be related, and soon the four friends are scouring the estate for clues. Their search turns up a road map which they had lost on their way to the Overlaar estate and a three-fingered glove. Their detective work leads to a desperate cross-country chase to rescue their old friend from the three fingered villain.