Out of the Wilderness: Library Edition Unabridged edition

Peter Dunstan is a big rancher who wants to control more land. When he buys Dr. Henry Morgan's ranchland that had been unsuccessfully converted to farming, it is Dunstan's intention to return it to open range. The only stipulation Morgan makes is that Dunstan must retain Sandy Sweyn, who has more or less been Dr. Morgan's ward, although the man is of age. Sweyn is generally considered to be a half-wit, even by the doctor. Yet Sandy has a fabulous gift. He is able to communicate with animals and birds. Dunstan decides to turn Sweyn's gifts to his advantage by setting him what might be considered completely impossible tasks. The problem for Dunstan is that after each of these incredible tasks is accomplished, the result carries some personal misfortune for him. It is for this reason that Dunstan drives Sweyn into the mountain wilderness where his prowess in time becomes legendary in that rugged country.