James Hickok, a mule boy yearning for a life in the West, endures a brutal existence under the tyrannical Captain Hudson. Bound to his mule, Benjamin, Hickok's dreams clash with the harsh realities of his life on a canal towpath. The story explores themes of resilience, freedom, and the human spirit as Hickok navigates abuse, betrayal, and the allure of a new life in the untamed frontier. A chance encounter with Hudson's scorned lover and a visit from his brother lead to a dramatic confrontation with Hudson, leaving Hickok to make a life-altering decision.