Toby Morgan was sixteen when his doctor father moved the family from New Jersey to Fort Dallas—now known as Miami—just after the Civil War. Florida then was an unexplored tropical wilderness that would have delighted the heart of an active boy—and Toby was no exception.

Hunting, fishing, and cruising in his canoe through the watery channels of the Everglades, Toby soon came to know the birds and animals that abound there, as well as the ruthless plume hunters. He also discovered a forgotten tribe of Indians deep in the swampland. One day, in a dangerous encounter with an alligator, Toby's life was saved by Miki-loko, son of the Caloosa chief, and they became close friends. Later, when Professor Evans, a naturalist, arrived to photograph Florida wild life, Toby was well qualified to act as guide for him and his tomboy daughter, Sue.

Through a swift and unexpected turn of events, the story builds to an exciting climax, and in the end Toby is launched on a fascinating scientific career.

As a writer of thrilling adventure tales for teenagers, Stephen Meader has few equals, and in this book he has not only told a story of action and suspense, but has caught the vivid color of a picturesque era with authenticity and rare skill.

From the dust jacket