A wealthy widow, Mrs Clayborne, accuses John Walton of stealing antiques while working in her mansion. John needed new tires and he hocks his wedding ring to buy them. He refuses to tell anyone where the money came from. The mystery is finally solved when the Clayborne son admits to selling the goblets to raise money for his family.

Harley Foster and his son Jodie are introduced to the series. Harley roams the countryside doing odd jobs. Jodie has had no formal education. Verdie Grant takes a strong liking to Harley and eventually persuades him to stay on Walton's Mountain.