This is the first of five volumes set in the Bavarian mountains, featuring not only the ruggedly quirky Wurzelsepp but also the fairy tale king Ludwig II. Stories of love and hate, the hunt for a poacher, and rescue from mountain peril are just a few of the many exciting themes. The present narrative takes place in the 1870s. It is an adaptation of the serialized novel "The Path to Happiness," written in 1886/1887. First part. Continuation in Volume 67, The Silver Farmer. Further episodes from "The Path to Happiness": Volume 68, The Wurzelsepp; Volume 73, The Hawk; Volume 78, The Riddle of Miramare. The title is also available as an e-book.