The only stipulation the land seller makes is that Dunstan must retain Sandy Sweyn, who is generally considered a half-wit but is extremely gifted with animals. Dunstan decides to use Sandy's gifts to his advantage but after some personal misfortune befalls him, he drives Sandy into the mountain wilderness, where his prowess eventually becomes legendary. However, Dunstan comes to need Sandy more than ever, and his only way of getting him back is to resort to trickery...