Two young men attempt to rob Elizabeth's store. One is caught and hung for it because it's a hanging offense to steal in a time of war. The brother who escaped sets up Taylor to be captured by the French. Elizabeth is along when Taylor is taken. It's up to Hawkeye, McKinney and Peevey to help Taylor and Elizabeth escape, yet Hawkeye runs afoul of the brother.

Claw, a Delaware tribesman, hates all Europeans and sparks a rebellion among the friendly Native Americans, forcing the English from their own fort. Even the efforts of Hawkeye and Chingachgook fail to bring peace between the allies.