The drama and power of one of America's great historical events—the founding of St. Louis—is reflected here in the life of young Auguste Chouteau.  To be left out of his father's expedition to found a trading post far up the Mississippi River was more than Auguste could stand.  From the moment he and his half-Indian friend, Charlie Half-and-Half, set out from New Orleans in a small canoe to catch up with the pioneers—two boys alone on the vast river—this yarn rides on a tide of adventure as turbulent as the great Mississippi's.

In the months that follow, Auguste comes a leader of men.  His exploits, based on historic fact, are painted against the background of mounting quarrels between French and English.  That the worthless men in the pioneer party should become mixed up in the squabbles was inevitable, but the outcome gives this tale an unexpected climax.  Coupled with the growing tension, the revelations concerning Charlie Half-and-Half's early childhood add interest to an already powerful tale.

The beauty of early American frontier life, the thrill of danger, the limitless aspects of courage—all these are told here with a rare sense of character portrayal.  Beautifully written, by one of America's foremost authors, with the authentic flavor of the past, A Boy for a Man's Job will be eagerly read and reread.

From the dust jacket