A child of eight or nine is abandoned on the Colorado prairie in 1866. An ex-soldier finds him, and is puzzled because the lad does not talk. The man nicknames the silent boy, Early, and feels obligated to take care of the youngster who has mystical yellow-gold eyes and cotton-colored hair. Early soon reveals that he can communicate with animals, preferably horses and dogs. Indian encounters are peaceful because of their awe of the unique lad. Other threats and danger arise because of his nature. During the struggles to build their own ranch, a chance remark to the man sets him on the trail of Early's family. After much time and frustration, a pretty cousin is found, and details of interesting, and an evil, kin are revealed. Early tries to explain his skill with animals. Meanwhile a hired assassin is wounded and captured, triggering details of inheritance of the family farm in Tennessee. Amid plans by the young heirs to take advantage of the unexpected windfall, a marriage is being planned. The novel, "Early," was selected as one of the five finalists from among over 200 entries in Jerry B. Jenkins (author of "Left Behind" series) Operation First Novel contest held at the Christian Writers Guild, Colorado Springs, CO, 2006.