Elizabeth picks berries in the woods, but is frightened by a bear. Running back toward the fort, she runs into the arms of Hawkeye. She has nightmares about it, realizing she should take Hawkeye's advice and learn how to take care of herself. The first step: learn to shoot. She trades services with Hawkeye; he teaches her to shoot and she teaches him how to read.

The French are laying siege to the fort. Rumor comes that the French have a 30-pound cannon the length of 3 men. While preparations are made for surrender, Hawkeye, Elizabeth and Chingachgook conceive a daring plan to capture and destroy the cannon.