David gets into a fight with the owner of Strongheart, a German Shepherd. Believing the has accidentally killed the man, David takes Strongheart and flees to northern Canada. He arrives at a small settlement and gets a job with the local trading post, and falls in love with Sally, the owner's daughter. When it comes time for Strongheart to find a mate he leaves the settlement, and soon returns with "The Fawn". However, during the time he was gone David has come down with pneumonia and is deathly ill. Complications ensue.