In the Canadian Northwest, Jen Galbraith, an innkeeper's daughter, is courted by Sergeant Tom Redding of the Mounted Police. Jen dislikes Pierre, whom she calls "The Devil," even though he is a friend of Val, her brother. When an Indian proclaims his love for Jen, Val takes offense and kills him. A short time later, Tom, en route to Fort Desire with secret orders, stops to visit Jen. Convinced that Tom is carrying a warrant for Val's arrest, Pierre laces the Mountie's coffee with laudanum. Jen, outraged, and unaware of Pierre's real purpose, completes Tom's mission, resulting in Val's arrest. With the help of Jen and Pierre, Val escapes, but his freedom is jeopardized by Durkin, a stranger who harbors some animosity toward Pierre. Confronted by Durkin, Pierre fatally stabs his enemy, after which he and Jen seek refuge in the cabin of Father Coraine. Having successfully eluded the police, Pierre and Jen finally acknowledge their love for each other.—Pamela Short