This is a story about a boy growing into manhood. It describes a way of life of challenges that are before him. One of the challenges involved a preacher's daughter, and another was the daughter of his father's friend while in the service. This high school boy and girl were having a picnic on the river and were nearly captured by three escaped prisoners. This was their first date. With his help, a circus in town provided their facilities for the senior prom and the HS graduation. The preacher's daughter and the boy attend different colleges. He graduated from West Point. His friend graduated from Annapolis and was sent to Africa.