Karny Wilson was abandoned by his father at age 4. He hates Maxwell, Tennessee, school, and most of his friends who live with a father and mother. He has been teased and made fun of too long making him a tough young man to deal with. Learning to fight back has built a reputation of being someone no one wants to cross. His life has gotten to hard and has no joy. He decides to leave Maxwell, his older sister Martha, his mother, and all the bad memories, which were many. He goes to the local Hobo Jungle and waits for a train going anywhere. He wants to find his father and tell him how much he hates him for leaving. While waiting in the cainbrake for the opportunity to grab an empty boxcar, he is accosted by two rough looking hobos. These hobos turn out to be more than vagrants. They lead him to his father. He also makes a new best friend, Bobby Leonard. Later, as the two approach Tampa, ruffians show up trying to take their lives. There are many other problamatic situations. But the most wonderful thing happened, he met the love of his life, Naomi. She is the daughter of the owner of the carnaval/circus where Karny and Bobby find jobs, and Karny's dad. Not only is Naomi stunning to see, but talented beyound belief. Her acrobatic professional skills has been placed on hold by her father, Big Billy, due to a misfortunate accident that took the life of his wife, Naomi's mom. But change is in the air, as is love, danger, near life-taking accidents, and more drama than one can often handle.