Although he faces his responsibility bravely, thirteen-year-old Matt is more than a little apprehensive when his father leaves him alone to guard their newly built cabin in the wilderness. When a renegade white stranger steals his gun, Matt knows he has no way to shoot game and no way to protect himself. It is only after meeting the proud, resourceful Indian boy that Matt begins to discover new ways to survive in the forest. And in getting to know his friend, Matt also begins to understand the heritage and way of life of the Beaver clan and their growing problem in adapting to the white man and the changing frontier.