A Kentucky woman's dying request that her sons care for her ward, Ann Belleau, is disregarded by the younger brother, Charles Stuart, who makes love to her and then marries another woman in New Orleans. The elder brother Jack marries Ann so that her child will have a name, but then leaves her his possessions and becomes a prospector and guide in Montana. Although known as "Genesee Jack," and wanting to keep away from white women, Jack meets Rachel Hardy and they fall in love. Even when she sees a squaw in Jack's cabin and he says he is an Indian himself, her love remains strong. After a young Kootenai chieftain is accidentally killed bringing a message of good will to the U.S. Cavalry, Jack, unjustly imprisoned, escapes with Rachel's help. He then leads the soldiers, who are surrounded by Indians in a mine, through a hidden tunnel to safety. Although wounded, Jack marries Rachel, after Charles repentantly tells of Ann's death.