Excellent teacher Mr. Ridley appears from nowhere and accepts a teaching job at the tiny and poor Crowês Crossing School. Heês an excellent teacher, but questions swirl around him. Why is he here? Where did he come from? And most importantly, why is he digging holes on Shadow Hill? Tazmin doesnêt care about all that. Sheês learning math. Her brother is learning how to read. But the truth has a way of revealing itself, much to Tazminês dismay.