A family moves out from Wisconsin to the edge of Indian country. They build up their house, even getting windows. They have challenges of the frontier with various animals, diseases and weather. There is high water river during Christmas, so the kids are afraid they will not see Santa Clause. However, a friend manages to wade through the river and bring presents. (He says he ran in to Santa in Independence and offered to bring them.)
There are various opinions of the Indians in the region. Some people want them dead or out of there. Father, however, wants them to remain friends. They learn their house is along an active Indian trail. Indians will sometimes come in and be fed or take things. The family is somewhat reluctantly friendly, even though they can't communicate. One time father sees signs of a panther and spends days trying to hate him. He meets an Indian who signs to him that he had killed the beast.
There is a big Indian meeting. They learn that the Indians had talked about fighting the settlers, but then some Indians convinced them not to. They later learn that they are living a few miles within Indian country. The government will not defend them and would like for them to move. The family decides that they will move before being forced out.
It is an interesting look at the frontier development and the relationships involved. There is both a fascination with Indians (one girl wants an Indian baby) and a fear of them (some want them eliminated so they can settle the area.) The relationships are complicated. In spite of this, they have some rather peaceable relationships that can benefit everyone.
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