A novel of adventure and mystery set in the wilderness of northern Maine during the time the river drives were ending and the roads were coming in. Jared MacBurron, 16, is the last school age kid in the village of Bear River, a way station for the loggin crews moving up and down the river. From time to time there are prize fights among the loggers and Jared has taught himself to box by watching the fights from the loft of the big barn where they are held. He learns a gret deal more when an old has-been professional fighter turns up and challenges for the Bear River Championship.This story is rich with the stories of the wilderness, and includes an encounter with a rogue bear and a sasquatch.