The story follows Eric Hunter, a young boy who becomes an orphan after his mother, suspected of being a witch and a Methodist, dies in the village of Summerleigh. The villagers are suspicious and unwelcoming, but Eric finds work at The Magpie inn, where he tends to the horses. Despite the prejudice against him, Eric is diligent and kind-hearted, forming a bond with the landlord, John Tyler, who sees potential in him. Tragedy strikes when Tyler dies in an accident, leaving Eric homeless and vulnerable. He is unjustly accused of being a beggar and is sentenced to transportation to America as a convict. On the journey, Eric meets Sister Martin, a compassionate Methodist missionary who becomes a mother figure to him. She helps him maintain his faith in God despite the hardships he faces. In America, Eric is sold as a slave, but the convicts he befriended on the ship, along with Sister Martin, pool their resources to buy his freedom. Eric finds work at a farm owned by Mr. Consett, a kind Methodist who values Eric's skills with horses. Eric thrives under Consett's mentorship, learning the importance of community and faith. Years later, Eric returns to England as a successful man. He revisits Summerleigh, where he is now respected, and helps Sister Martin settle in the village. Through their quiet influence, the villagers' attitudes begin to change, and Eric's legacy as a once-rejected waif turned benefactor becomes a testament to the power of kindness and perseverance.
By Emma Leslie · First published 1919 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Realism, Bildungsroman · 8 chapters