Plot Summary

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.