Alan Roderick, born in 1831 on the estate of James Maxwell's parents, is a childhood friend and school mate of James. In 1849 Alan takes off for California. James becomes a great scientist. Alan, changing his name to Damon Maxwell, becomes a great adventurer. Living through the gold rush and a year of outlawing with Joaquin Murrieta, Damon has established himself as a prosperous and respected member of the San Francisco community. He has a new life and a new love. It is then he learns, from his 200 year old great-great-great-grandfather about their little family secret. They can't grow old and die. They can be killed, though, which is what some old outlaw friends are trying to do. Damon is introduced to all the problems of immortality. The lady you love grows old and you don't. The enemies you've made can deny your immortality if you don't first grant them their mortality. What actions do you have to take to live forever. Lies? Killing? Is is all worth it? Grandpa and an old friend from Scotland help him figure it out, at least this once.