Summary: "Solomon Brakefield tries to play by the rules--and loses. When the mine where Sol works is robbed, he goes after the thieves himself. After he brings the money back, he's offered no more than a handshake and a few dollars. Seems the straight life just doesn't pay. So Sol seeks out Nester Quarles, a known killer and bandit, to school him on the tricks of the outlaw trade. Quarles has plenty to teach, but there's a price to be paid--and the currency is Sol's soul."--p. 4 of cover.