The novel opens in the Jemison family home in Marsh Creek Hollow, Pennsylvania, in 1758. The Jemison family is sitting around the table, having just eaten dinner. Twelve-year-old Molly’s father, Thomas Jemison, asks her to “go fetch Neighbor Dixon’s horse” for him to borrow (30). Jane Jemison, Molly’s mother, objects to Molly going to the neighbor’s house alone so late in the day. Thomas insists that the boys are needed for evening chores and instructs Molly to sleep at Dixon’s and come back in the morning.

Before Molly leaves, the family is interrupted by another neighbor, Chet Wheelock. Chet warns that Indians are “a-killin’, a-butcherin’ and a-plunderin’ as they come” (36). He invites the Jemisons to flee the area, along with his own family; despite Jane’s fears, Thomas is not worried and insists on staying. Chet asks if he and his sister-in-law, along with her three children, can stay until their sick horse recovers. The Jemisons agree and prepare to host them.

Molly is happy to leave the house and go on her errand to borrow Dixon’s horse. The next morning, she returns through the woods. Instead of feeling carefree in the forest, she feels tense and fearful.