The story takes place on a spring day, April 3, 1861 to be exact. The Pony Express has existed for one year to the day. Joe Cartwright simply wants to ride to Virginia City again after the long winter and hopes that a small festival might be held there. What he experiences when he gets there is told in this story.

The story revolves around Adam's birthday. This time his birthday is to be celebrated in a special way. Adam is sent by Ben to San Francisco to negotiate cattle sales. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for his special day. What Adam expects as he gets home and how his birthday goes tells the story.