While everyone else is marching off to war or supporting the war effort, Jubal's brother Bud, a Quaker and a pacifist, chooses to be a 4E conscientious objector. He goes off to Civilian Public Service camp in Colorado to perform jobs without pay. His choice affects the way the community treats his family. The circumstances bring up the question for Jubal's family and their fellow Quakers: is war ever justifiable?