In August, the Abbotts camp by the Three Island Crossing in the Snake River, which they must cross soon. Ma Abbott worries about the crossing, which is notorious as a spot for drownings. Lizzie and Sam overhear their parents arguing, and Pa Abbott insists that the family cross in the morning.

The next day, Pa Abbott pays local Shoshone men to ferry the wagons across, as well as the children, Ranger, and Ma Abbott. He and the other men must ride across the river on horseback to drive the livestock across. The men carefully ride from one island to the next, pausing at the last, most dangerous crossing. Ma Abbott prays on the riverbank, and Ranger senses that something dangerous is coming.

Ma Abbott, the kids, and Ranger watch tensely as Pa Abbott tries to navigate the river. When his friend gets into trouble, Pa Abbott goes back to help him. Suddenly, Pa’s horse, Nugget, rears, throwing Pa into the water. The river quickly drags Pa downstream as the family watches helplessly. Ranger remembers the swift-water training he completed with