Gene Stratton-Porter's faith in the healing power of nature is apparent, in a lovingly depicted tamarack swamp set near the city.

Michael O'Halloran, or simply Mickey, is a spunky 10-year-old orphan boy who lives alone in the streets of a big mid-western city, hiding from the Children's home. Mickey works as a newsboy to support himself, following the rules his mother gave him before she died. One day, Mickey runs into a poor, little crippled girl called Peaches sobbing because her abusive granny has died and the Children's Home will be coming after her. Mickey takes her to his home, cleans her up, and claims her as his family. He takes upon himself to raise the money so he can send her to cure her back. Sweet and honorable Mickey continues to spread good values as him and Peaches find new family and friends. Effects of his small good deeds reach far, influencing and helping many people around him.