As the heavy wooden wheel of a busy Virginia sawmill turns through the rushing water, a mysterious stranger arrives looking for work. Old Sam, the hardworking owner, is happy to take on the new hired hand. His son, Young Sam, is even happier to have someone new he can boss around while avoiding chores. One afternoon, an elderly farmer visits the mill, complaining about a terrible ache in his back. In secret, the new hired hand gathers a handful of sawdust, adds a spark of hidden magic, and completely cures the old man—even making him young again! But the greedy and lazy Young Sam witnesses the miracle and decides he can perform the same spell to make himself rich and powerful. When he attempts the dangerous magic without understanding it, things go horribly wrong. Based on a historic African American folktale, this richly illustrated story is a captivating lesson about the dangers of greed, the power of true healing, and taking responsibility for your actions.