The Journeyers by Neil Crawford

Andy Clay is a fifteen year old boy growing up on a farm in northern Alabama in the fall of 1847.  He lives with his father, mother and two brothers.  On his way home from an afternoon of fishing, Andy comes across Ben Reckefus whipping his slave.  Ben is Andy’s age but when Andy intervenes, a knife fight ensues and Andy kills Ben in self defense.  When it is learned that Ben’s father intends to have Andy killed after he is arrested, Andy’s father, Thomas, decides that Andy’s only chance is to flee to Memphis where a relative lives. Ben's father hires Ephraim Walker, who has instructions to return Andy dead.  Just before Ephraim pulls the trigger, he is shot and killed by Cloris Samson, a young girl who is a runaway from an abusive family.  Cloris joins up with Andy and they travel to Memphis together, telling everyone they meet that they are brother and sister. Thus begins their adventures through measles and cholera epidemic outbreaks, encounters with river pirates, California Gold Rush fever, grizzly attacks, and more. The Journeyers is an adventure and coming of age novel, set in one of the more exciting times in U.S. history.

Price $12.95