The trouble started when the water in the little college town of Wickstead, Pennsylvania, was found to be tainted. This aroused the citizens, led by a college professor and a decorated war veteran, Nick Adamson. He decides to go to war against the water companies. Nick is an eccentric character. He is under constant surveillance not only the local sheriff but also by the state police, who suspect him of being the illusive sniper who had earlier shot and wounded state officials after they had signed off on the senseless slaughter of dozens of blackbirds. The story hangs on whether or not they will finally arrest him.