The Mountain Men

Bill Tyler and Henry Frapp trap beaver across the rugged mountains, trading quips as they endure cold and hunger. They aim to sell their plews to Fontenelle at the mountain rendezvous, gambling on a fair price amid rival traders. The fur-trade era is dying, making every catch and deal a last chance.

Running Moon flees her abusive Blackfoot husband, Heavy Eagle, and stumbles onto Bill and Henry near the trapping routes. She seeks safety, but remains with the trappers as an ally and potential partner. Her arrival unsettles the trio as danger closes in.

Bill initially wants to take her to safety at the rendezvous, but Running Moon refuses to be merely a passenger. Over time she becomes Bill's partner, sharing in the work and the growing bond. Her presence changes the dynamics of their expedition.

Heavy Eagle bursts from the brush and scalps Henry Frapp in a brutal act performed before Bill's eyes. Bill races back toward the camp in horror, while Running Moon watches aghast. The violence marks a turning point that hardens their resolve to survive.

Bill and Running Moon manage to flee the attack, hoping to reach safety at the camp, but Blackfoot pursuers close in. They are caught again despite their effort, forced to face their captors anew. The capture tightens the peril surrounding their fragile alliance.

Bill is given a chance to run for his life and is pursued by warriors. He hides in a beaver den, buying time as the chase rages around him. The pursuit ends with a plunge into a raging river, leaving Heavy Eagle on shore while Bill disappears over a waterfall.

Heavy Eagle returns to his camp and moves to reclaim Running Moon, pressing her to submit to his will. She resists and refuses his control, standing firm. He realizes Bill survived and the vendetta will continue.

On the survival trek, Bill encounters Henry, who has survived the scalp wound, and discovers Running Moon is still alive. The two form a renewed alliance to rescue her from Heavy Eagle's grasp. They push forward along the rough trail, aware that new and old enemies threaten every mile.

They are joined by Le Bont and Walters, fellow trappers also chasing the rumored valley of beavers. Heavy Eagle's warriors shadow the group, increasing danger as the pursuit lengthens. The chase narrows toward the valley that could redeem their fortunes.

Le Bont and Walters are cut down by Heavy Eagle and his band, thinning the rescue party. Henry is shot through the chest and dies in Bill's arms, a brutal reminder of the costs of survival. Bill's resolve hardens as he presses on toward the goal.

Bill sneaks into the Blackfoot camp to intercept Running Moon's escape. Heavy Eagle arrives at the crucial moment and a brutal hand-to-hand fight ensues. Running Moon fires a musket, killing Heavy Eagle and ensuring their escape.

Bill and Running Moon prevail after Heavy Eagle's death, securing a path to freedom. They ride toward the high country, their bond strengthened by the ordeal and the loss they've endured. The valley's mystery remains, but hope for the beaver country endures.

Bill constructs a traditional Blackfoot sky burial platform by the river and places Henry's body on it, honoring their fallen companion. He and Running Moon ride into the high country in search of the legendary beaver valley. The journey continues, with their partnership as the guiding force.