His mother dies, and he is left to the care of his father, Adam M'Adam, a sarcastic, angry alcoholic with few redeeming qualities.

M'Adam is the owner of Red Wull, a huge, violent dog who herds his sheep by brute force.

The dogs compete for the Shepherd's Trophy, the prize in an annual sheep-herding contest which is the highlight of the year in the North Country.

Complications arise—a rogue dog is killing sheep, and both Bob and Red Wull are suspected of being the culprit.

The story chronicles David's boyhood and early manhood, his struggle to live with his father, his frequent escapes to Kenmuir, and his intermittent friendship with Maggie Moore.