Young Tildy and her family left their home in Ohio for a tiny new settlement in the wilds of Wisconsin in the early half of the 19th century. The journey by wagon and oxcart is full of adventure--fire, quicksand pits, and marauding Indians.
Reaching the level valley where a log cabin home awaits them, the Gales plunge into all the duties of pioneer life courageously. They are intrigued by the friendly Indians and the lonely French girl, Twanet, who lives with her strange uncle across the river.
When a hostile Indian tribe comes foraging for captives and food, and the Frenchman turns out to be in competition with Mr. Gale for the coveted mill site, exciting events happen thick and fast.