Twelve-year-old Jem Coulter couldn’t ask for anything else. His father has left the ranch in his hands while he takes a prisoner down to another town in California. It’s only for two weeks, and Jem is sure he can do it. But one horrible event after another leaves Jem sagging with defeat. Determined to get back his father’s gun and his horse Copper, Jem enlists the help of a former Pony Express rider by the name of Rafe, who has been recovering in their barn after an unfortunate accident. Suspicions rise when Rafe disappears for a couple of days. Jem and his cousin piece together pieces of the puzzle and, in hopes of finding Copper, set out for Blackwater Canyon, a dangerous place where many enter, but few return.   

“Jem stiffened in shock and whipped around. Less than ten yards away, Rafe stood with his arms crossed, glaring down at the boys with dark, furious eyes.”