John Ingram, successful oil field firefighter, is really a chain gang escapee. Someone out of his past finds him.

John Ingram of Oklahoma has a loving family, loves his work fighting oil fires, and is good at it. But 9 years ago, under another name he escaped from a Southern chain gang. Enter William Ramey, a friend from John's past, who gradually works up to a blackmail attempt under a promise to get Ingram cleared...but instead has him sent back to the old chain gang. Though determined to tough it out this time, circumstances compel Ingram to attempt another escape.—Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>