THE SHADOW OF A FACE IN THE WINDOW. THE QUILT ON THE LINE. HOWLING DOGS. THREATENING INTRUDERS AND A RAILROAD THAT RUNS UNDERGROUND.

Thirteen-year-old Robert had known little of these things growing up. His southern adolescence consisted of his mother, who viewed slavery as a natural part of life, and his father, whose late-night disappearances were becoming more frequent and disruptive.

Then there is William Henry, Robert's best friend. They did everything together-until the summer of 1859. That's when Robert realizes William Henry knows more about these late-night mysteries than he does. It's also when Robert is told that William Henry is less than human . . . because he is black.

Now Robert must decide for himself where he stands on slavery. With his loved ones pitted against each other, he struggles to understand justice and wonders how high a price he is willing to pay for it.

And then he gets the chance to find out.