The novel begins with a graphic description of the castration of cattle. Next, the two brothers the novel’s plot centers on are introduced: Phil Burbank is 40 years old. He is a hardened rancher who takes pride in his masculinity. He is lean and wears the evidence of his life as a rancher with pride. He refuses to wear gloves for almost all the chores on the ranch, except castration. He likes to tease people, especially his brother, George. Phil is also literate and can pretty much learn anything, such as how to play the banjo, by teaching himself. By contrast, George is 38. He is stockier, serious, and generally a man of few words. He rarely lets down his guard. Like Phil, he is also literate. Both men are fully aware that they have inherited everything in life, including the ranch they tend, from their wealthy parents whom they refer to as the “Old Gent” and the “old Lady” (7).

It is 1925 in Montana, and the two men are preparing to drive their head of cattle to the nearby town of Beech. Phil recognizes that the drive will coincide with the silver anniversary of their time together as ranchers.