This prizewinning story by Doris Buck of Arlington Virginia is a story of kindness and redemption.
The story begins in the comfortable firelit room in the old white house on the corner of State street and the River road where Dr Christian administers to souls as well as bodies of the people of Riversend for many years. They are discussing the crime wave that is hitting Riversend and the gang of young lads that are involved in it when Joe enters the surgery with some cuts and scratches. Joe wants to be a marine but he has to wait another year and has fallen in with some petty criminals. When Joe takes a liking to Judy and she teaches him to make a wish upon a star a soft ness is unearthed in him.