John and Emma encounter an Iroquois woman who helps save Emma after she is bitten by a snake. While playing along a stream bed John unwittingly destroys a native religious tribute. Emma is bitten and John runs for help. When he and James return to the streambed they find an Iroquois man who takes them to their camp where they are taking care of Emma. After seeing the alter distroyed the man no longer wants to help Emma but his wife prevails to help her and Emma recovers.

Getting adjusted to their new home, a superstitious neighbor, Mary, comes to help Emma with the housework. Emma finds her company tedious and schemes to scare her off. James and Neil find out and decide to teach her a lesson.

Will Forester gives James a found horse in payment for delivering his son. Emma becomes very attached to the horse only to have the original owner reappear and claim it stolen. Emma must deal with loss and appreciation for what she does have.