The rugged, windy Isle of Skye is a strong background of the fast-paced story of young Neil Nicolson and his comrades. When there are not enough school funds available for the boys to continue playing shinty--a game not unlike hockey--, the Scottish lads set about with determination to earn fifty pounds. The arrival of a spoiled English lassie at the Nicolson farm complicates matters, but the boys early succeed, and, in the process, manage to ""unspoil"" and toughen up the lassie. musing Scottish characters and witty dialogue reinforce a sound story to make a worthwhile book.