Almost twenty years ago, Burn English had a near fatal run-in with barbed wire and was nursed back to health by Katherine Donald. He fell in love with her, but she chose to marry Burn's friend Davey Hildahl, foreman of the L Slash Ranch. Yet Burn English remained in the area and became a sort of adopted uncle to the Hildahl children. He bought land, put in piped water, built sturdy corrals, and continued to raise excellent stock from wild mares, using a champion dark colt as the sire. His horses were known for their stamina, speed, and good sense. Now, at forty-five, Burn feels he has reached old age, and his joints confirm it. When his once champion colt succumbs to old age, Burn decides it's time to move on. He sets his horses free, keeping only a prize mare, destroys his corrals and his cabin, and leaves without a word to anyone. He decides to head north, hoping to find a place to be alone. He finally comes upon an idyllic grotto near a cold-water pond in an area known as Salt Valley. With the surrounding solitude, the place gives him a chance to heal his body and soul. He does not venture too far from his camp, game being abundant nearby and the lush grass providing for the mare. Unknown to Burn, someone is watching him and admiring his beautiful mare. Before long, Burn's time of leisure will be over.