A fanatical priest, a land in turmoil and a man desperate to find his child. William MacLeod will not be denied. After an Indian attack along the banks of the Colorado River William MacLeod is forced to cross the barren sands of the Mohave desert carrying his child into the Spanish Territory that is Alta California in 1822 hoping to find a ship to take them home. But the Spanish authorities have other plans for him. Following months in jail for having entered their country illegally he is finally released with his promise to leave the country immediately, only to discover his child has been taken. With the help of a woman from off the streets of Vera Cruz he must find a way to remain in this country and continue his search in the vast empty spaces while a Frenchman with the backing of the Spanish government wishes to see him dead. >