David, a young clerk in her uncle's general store, loves her and is worthy of her.

Jean Le Roy, a dishonest fur trader, hopes to win her.

When David falls ill from overwork and anxiety, Sally nurses him back to health.

She also helps him win the yearly dog race with his German Shepherd Strongheart, which gives him sufficient money to marry her and return with her to the United States.

The canine story involving Strongheart and his mate generally follows that of the human couple, often with the dogs mimicking their gestures.