David Carver is one of the heroes of this story. Though just a ten-year-old boy, but he took a profound religious experience and explored its meanings. After his experience, which involved saving the life of his best friend through a miraculous medical recovery, David decides to explore the meaning of his contact with God. He is sent to the home of a local pastor, and begins getting religious instruction from him. David's questions and observations are intelligent and insightful, and the pastor knows he is dealing with something other than a ten year old boy. David realizes that by asking for his friend's life to be saved, David has entered into a contract with God, and there will be payment.