Donald MacDonald, son of Donald MacDonald weds Molly Poole, daughter of Paddy (Padraig) Poole, an itinerant peddler, much to the disgust of the town and his family. His father virtually disinherits him, giving him a loaded wagon, two mules, a cow in calf, an awkward blue roan, a dog, a pouch of gold coins and the rights to a claim in the distant Oregon Coast Range. Donald and Molly can either work the claim or take the gold and move out of the county. They choose to stay and build a farm, cutting back the great trees that fill the valley. In so doing, they must have nelp and many come, some looking for work of any kind. The family grows and a town emeges to care for those who work clearing the valley. The final result, though not what Donald or Molly intended, is the development of a great timber empire