It was early spring in the north country, the rivers were frozen and snow covered the ground, but the days were lengthening. Sgt Preston of the north west mounted police was making a patrol from Selkirk to White Horse. About five miles out of town, he stopped his dogs as he recognized a prospector he knew, Bill. Together they head over to Pete and Joan's cabin, where they find the door open and Pete, who has been shot in the head.