Edward Martin and Alice, married, start out for Salt Lake with the "Hand Cart immigrants," so-called because a number of the adventurers pushed and pulled their belongings ahead of them on small, rough carts. Edward Martin is made Captain of the train. The Indian tribes are at peace and little Watana and Mountain Pine make love as Watana weaves her pretty baskets. Unfortunately the Mexican raiders are in the vicinity, capturing Indians and selling them into slavery. Watana is seized and taken away and is made love to by the guide.