Young Ellis P. Bean is invited on an expedition to capture wild mustangs in Texas, but when the Spanish cavalry attack, and kill the leader of the expedition, Ellis finds himself locked in a Spanish prison with no real chance of rescue. Ellis must learn to fend for himself and fight his way home.

Don Worcester is the recipient of the Levi Strauss Saddleman Award for his lifelong contributions to the literature of the American Frontier and a two-time Spur Award winner. He was a history professor at Texas Christian University and has formerly been president of Western Writers of America. He lived in Texas and Arizona.