 After Adam accidentally shoots Little Joe during a wolf hunt, he gets help from Mr and Miss Reardon, an Irishman and his daughter passing by. Once back at the Ponderosa, Adam finds one obstacle after another to gaining the medical attention Joe needs. The doctor is late coming, the medicine isn t at the pharmacy, and three lawless men try to extort money for the medicine. Adam must grapple with his own feelings as well as he struggles to find a way to save Little Joe.