Paul Prichard, Director of Covert Operations for the CIA, knew that stinger missiles were coming into the United States from Afghanistan, but he is shocked to learn they have wound up on a narrow gauge train in Skagway, Alaska! Adding to his troubles, he learns that Terry Hanson, Prichardas new and quite young special agent, is the son-in-law of Senator Hollingsworth, the most powerful member of the Senate Committee for Armed Services. With Hanson now assigned to the case, Prichard has the duel responsibility of recovering the missiles and keeping Hanson alive. Both will prove to be formidable challenges over the steep gorges and old wooden trestles of the narrow gauge train.