It is the period of the French and Indian wars in colonial North America. General Munroe, Commander of Fort William Henry has sent an urgent request to General Webb, Commander of the armies of the King at Fort Edward for reinforcements, and the latter has despatched fifteen hundred troops to his aid. General Munroe has also sent one of his officers, Major Hayward, to act as escort for his daughter Cora, who has been visiting at Fort Edward. 

Hayward decides that it would be safer not to follow the detachment owing to the danger of an imminent attack, and engages an Indian guide to take them on a secret trail through the forest. This guide however, proves to be a treacherous Iroquois...