Pain, love, fear, hate, joy, hope — these are some of the contrasting elements of drama in Lost on the Trail. The story revolves about intense rivalry between Bill Baker and Art Smith.
Bill is a serious boy, kind, considerate, and a Christian — though not a strong one. When an invigorating hike turns into a nightmare, it is Bill who leads the staggering, exhausted group to safety. This episode makes him a hero, and the bitter enemy of Art.
Art Smith is a coward and a bully. Because of his cheating, lying, and stealing, the others ostracize him. Hatred swells in his heart, resulting in a strenuous fight with God and Satan. This intense hatred develops into a cunning plot — a plot to get even with Bill.