内容简介：
Willie Fowlie's grandmother calls him a "nickum" - a mischievous boy who often acts instinctively, bearing little consideration for the consequences of his actions. However, Willie's headmaster recognizes his potential and finances his matriculation at University along with his daughter, Millie. Within weeks of the outbreak of war, Willie's oldest friend enlists in the army. Implored to sign up with him, Willie feels duty-bound to his sponsor to finish his degree and turns him down. Two years later, news arrives announcing that his friend has been killed in action. Racked with guilt, Willie abandons his education and volunteers for the Gordon Highlanders. The course of his life is now completely changed, but can the "nickum" ever atone for the decisions that he has made?