Just as J. M. Barrie communicated the pleasant and homely warmth of Scottish homes, the story of little Davie Campbell and his home in Stranmore authentically conveys the atmosphere of Scotland. Davie's stern father commands Davie to give away or sell the ragamuffin dog he'd used his savings for. And failing that, the dog must be put in the river! The boy prays for a small miracle to save Wee Joseph when no one will take or buy him. What saves Joseph might just as well have been a miracle, for the River Angus disappears! The old appeal of boy-dog stories is enhanced with a Scotch burr.