Peter Novak is no stranger to hardship. Beginning his life as his mother's ended, sold into indentured servitude at age eight, a privileged childhood is not to be. Hard work and loyalty to his master earns Peter an opportunity for freedom. A new life awaits Peter in America, but not the streets paved with gold he expected. Filthy air, social unrest, and prejudice toward immigrants do not stop him from building a comfortable life for himself-almost. A ghost from his past threatens to divulge Peter's secrets and tear his world apart.