In a rural town around the 1860s, a young woman, Molly, has decided to leave the Saskawetchen ranch to return home with her family. Her unemployed partner, Rick, is upset about having to leave. The two ride through the area one last time when Molly spots a dog and decides to keep it. At the conclusion of their ride, the couple eats sandwiches, and Rick reveals that he plans to buy the ranch and stay. He claims that this is their only opportunity as the homesteaders, Americans granted acres of land in the west, will ruin their chances of returning here in the future. Rick tells Molly that they should borrow money to buy the ranch. Even though Molly fears her parents will think she's crazy, she decides to stay.