A young orphan boy, whose name, age, and background are unknown in the beginning of the book, is struggling to make ends meet for himself.

Before she can decide on one, their friendship is cut short when Raidy dies in a farming accident.

Exhausted, hungry, and distraught over his only friend's death, the boy takes off on his own and collapses onto the ground without knowing or caring where he is or if he will survive.

Boss is a modern-day shepherd, tending a flock of 900 sheep with the help of two dogs, and she brings the boy to her camp, caring for him until he recovers.

He also learns about the give and take of civilization, and how to handle the responsibility of caring for Boss's sheep and doing chores as he accepts help from others to meet his own needs and overcome his hardships.