The Nadicha, also known as the Mound Builders, lived in the westernmost outpost of their kind in the woods and swamps of what is now East Texas. The Turtle Woman, their healer and seer, was disturbed when the Alligator Man appeared in their forest home, doing his best to ingratiate himself with her people, particularly with the children. Although she had no proof, she had a deep feeling that he meant them no good -- and she was right! A child escapee from an Aztec sacrificial ceremony far to the south, Ootenec has taken refuge on an island in a large lake, where he hunts alligators in personal combat and intends to create a tribe of his own based around his mythos . . . if, that is, his recurrent madness doesn't destroy the children first!