The story of young Donat, who, unlike his father, is not satisfied with his home town, or the surrounding beauty or a career as a mountain guide. He tries his luck in the wide world, first succeeds, but his luck changes and he comes to realize the real value of things -- the real ""way up"". Beautifully written, with the figures of Donat, his old father, lovely Anshi and practical Gallus very alive and well drawn.