A landmark novel of the Canadian West from one of Canada's most accomplished writers, author of GHOST BRUSH and FABLES OF BRUNSWICK AVENUE. Gateway, Alberta, 1911. The coming of the railroad to the Canadian Rockies has brought a parade of newcomers to the heavenly Bow Valley - climbers, coal miners, artists, scientists, runaway aristocrats and remittance men. Among the latter is the poacher Herbie Wishart, who arrived on a one-way ticket and has reinvented himself as a trail guide and teller of tall tales.