It was inspired by the true story of Susanna Willard Johnson (1730–1810) who, along with her family and younger sister, were kidnapped in an Abenaki Indian raid on Charlestown, New Hampshire in August 1754.

The rugged trail is made far more difficult for Miriam by the miserable crying of Captive, the damp cold and hunger, and the sight of her exhausted sister.

Eventually the group reaches the Indian village where, upon surviving a half-hearted gantlet while being forced to dance and sing, they are adopted into the tribe.

James is thrown in jail for a short time but is finally forced to retrieve money from the English governor to pay for his family's release.

Polly captures the interest of the mayor's wife, who is unable to have a child of her own, while little Susanna is sold to another French household and Miriam meets the prominent Du Quesne family.

One day Miriam is asked by Madame Du Quesne to teach her daughter, Felicité, to read and write proper English.

The two sisters are invited by Felicité to join her at a ball wherein Miriam unintentionally draws the attention of Pierre Laroche, a grandson of a wealthy nobleman.

The Du Quesne family, feeling disgraced and insulted and because they believe James broke his bond and escaped from captivity, throws out Miriam and Susanna.

Marquise De Vaundreuil keeps her promise to speak with her husband and eventually Miriam, Susanna, James, Polly and Captive are released from prison.