"Act One: 'Roots in a Parched Ground.' When his father dies and his mother and sister move to Houston, Horace Robedaux is left behind in Harrison, Texas with his feuding relatives, the Robedauxs and the Thorntons. Act Two: 'Convicts.' Horace takes a job on Soll Gautier's plantation in order to earn money to buy a tombstone for his father's grave and while there witnesses the harsh treatment of Gautier's convict laborers. Act Three: 'Lily Dale.' Horace makes a rare visit to Houston to see his mother, Corella, and sister, Lily Dale. As Horace's presence stirs up difficult memories for his mother and sister, Corella strives to maintain harmony between her children and their stepfather, Pete Davenport."--P. [4] of cover.