Three stories from the early years of Roy Harper, before he became a well known traveler and philosopher.In the Outlaw Trail, Roy is six years old and transplanted to Texas when his family goes broke. He is on his own and miserable until he meets an old Indian named Joe, who promises to teach him the secrets of his people. This should be the best year ever.In Hoosier Dreams, Roy's family moves back to Indiana to the old home place. This presents a whole new series of challenges and opportunities. His encounter with the hobos gives him a new outlook on the meaning of freedom and a new (and wider) perspective on life.In The Gangsters Apprentice, Roy is as green as they come when he first arrives in Chicago at age ten, but with Sal's help he learns fast. He grows up in fast company and before long he's a foot soldier in the rackets. Even the police can't keep him out of the city and back in Indiana.