Fact: Author's grandfather ran away at 13 in 1875. Family's oral tradition: He had issues with his wealthy stepfather. Fiction: That's "Elizabeth's Prodigal." Set in the mid-1870's, Albert has a mother, Elizabeth, who loves him, and a stepfather, Matthew Redding, who provides more than adequate opportunities for lads his age. He has seven siblings and step-siblings, though some are more tolerable than others. He's won the county's top academic award, so school's behind him. He strongly believes he's outgrown home and he's ready to take on the world. There's a matter of his Kelsey inheritance from the sale of Pa's farm when Pa didn't return from the war. That money would make going away easier, but Matthew will probably prevent Ma from permitting him to have it. Besides, who really knows why Pa didn't come back from the war? Is he really dead? Everyone knows there's no body under that tombstone. And, if Matthew weren't so religious, he and Ma might not think Albert's ideas are an unrealistic to shortcut to wealth. Albert has had it. He's eager to take off. Does he have even an inkling of situations about to confront him and the misadventures likely awaiting a youth so eager to grow up? Will he find who and what he's after? Margery Kisby Warder mixes Truth with humor because she believes God created both. Christian Historical Fiction. Adventure with values, suitable for any reader. Includes brief discussion guide.