Twenty or twenty-five years ago, when the unoccupied government lands were released for settlement, everyone who registered their names was given a fair and free chance to secure one of the sections of land, which was apportioned off in sections. The settlers were drawn up in a long line at a certain distance from the lands opened up, some of them on horseback and others in vehicles of all descriptions. At the firing of a cannon, everybody made a rush for the land. Harvey Mattson and his wife Annie, with their child, emigrate form Missouri in a prairie schooner. On their way they hear of the opening up of the Cherokee Strip. They hasten there and Harvey pitches camp, preparatory to entering his name. Their child is taken sick. Harvey goes for the doctor, and during his absence. Bill Slick, a good-looking ruffian, tries to force his attentions upon Annie. She repulses him. Harvey and the doctor arrive, and he "settles" Bill without ceremony. The ruffian, enraged, leaves. Shortly afterwards Harvey starts for the rush. On his way he is shot and severely wounded by Bill Slick. Harvey returns to his wife; she insists upon taking his place in the line and a chance with the rest of the would-be settlers. She makes a bold dash with the others and secures a very desirable section. Bill Slick endeavors to beat her to it, but she gets back to the registry office in time to make her entry first. Slick tries to claim her land. Harvey, who is standing about with their child, interferes, and one of the settlers, who saw Slick shoot Harvey, comes forward to accuse him. The villain is arrested. Annie and Harvey take possession of their newly acquired land. A few years afterward we see them a happy family, prospering in the cultivating of one of the largest and most fertile farms in the west.