Oniatare, a young brave of the tribe of the Hurons, and Kowa, a chief of the Mohicans, are in love with Ethona, or "The River Flower," an Indian Princess. The Hurons and the Mohicans are sworn enemies. The young brave and "The River Flower" meet from time to time. Kowa notices this and in plaintive song would lure the fair Ethona to him. But it is of no avail. The Great Medicine Man of the Mohicans prescribes rest and a sleeping potion, which she takes and falls into a deep sleep. Both Oniatare and Kowa meet at her uncovered pyre. They fight a duel unto the death. Oniatare slays the older man, and then plunges the dagger deep into his own breast, dropping lifeless. The falling of his body across hers arouses her from her sleep and she awakens to behold his self-sacrifice, a still stronger evidence of his love for her. Seizing the blood-stained dagger from his breast, she thrusts it into the heart which goes out to his.