The story starts with his meeting with Mary, the daughter of a humble trapper in the mountains, who has another suitor more favored by the parents. The barn dance; Davy and Mary on the way home, are attached by wolves and seek safety in a deserted cabin. Just as the hungry beasts besiege the door, the all-night fight against death, the tracking of the party to the lonely hut, the release of Davy after his arm had swollen too much to withdraw it from the door. Rescue and return home. Mary upbraided by her mother for her love for Davy; his arrival at Mary's home just as the nuptial services are ready, in which Mary is to wed her mother's choice. Her escape on horseback, emulating Lochinvar's ride. Happy in her thought of wedding the man she loves.