The back country along Florida's Suwanee River frames the young romance of Jump Williams, back from the war, and True Martin- the girl he had left behind and not forgotten- now going on eighteen. Jump is determined to earn the money for a farm-before he marries her- and True worries over him- and the hazards he takes in salvaging lumber underwater. Skittery and suspicious towards all outsiders, they finally accept the benevolent interference of the Bristows- for whom True's father works- as a caretaker. And when new intruders come- to dredge Jump's river for gold- and crowd him out, it is Charles Bristow who helps him to fulfill his contract and strike the bargain which will bring him a farm.... These folk, in their unspoiled naivete and stubborn pride are likeable- and so is their story, which is unpretentious and pleasant. -- Kirkus Reviews
