Francis Tucket and his adopted family, Lottie and Billy, are heading west in search of Francis's parents on the Oregon Trail. But when winter comes early, Francis turns south to avoid the cold and leads them right into enemy territory—the Mexican War of 1848. Francis and the children are captured by desperadoes, but loyalty, courage, and the element of surprise offer hope for survival.

 

'Continuing the fast-paced adventures of Francis Alphonse Tucket … Francis creates a stampede, foils a couple of crooks, and finds himself suddenly in charge of two small children. Like Paulsen's other heroes, Francis meets adversity head-on—and survives.'—The Washington Post Book World