Old-time resident Hattie Denton, needed by her sister in Denver, feels obliged to suddenly and shockingly betray North Fork by selling the only general store to the first person with an offer, a naïve, beautiful woman totally ignorant of business, who immediately proceeds willfully if confusedly to agree with a shady, violent newcomer on a collection scheme for accounts receivable. The economy of the town is imperiled and numerous injuries to townspeople are soon noted by Lucas and Micah.
—Jasha