 While Hoss is waiting for a mare to be born Ben begins reading from an old journal which tells of the journey he and Inger, Hoss  mother, made by wagon train out West. Ben is the leader of the small wagon train which will link up with a larger train in Ash Hollow. There are many obstacles on the way to contend with including a drunken wagon master, Indians, and the fact that Inger is with child. All of these things slow down their pace and it is essential to make good time to avoid impending winter snows.