In the year 1603, Mr. James Mcintrye emigrated from England to North America, landing at Plymouth. He stayed for a while in the New England countryside, growing tired of the farming life, he decided to try his hand at trapping. He had heard that there was a lot of money being made in the fur business.

One spring day he packed a bag for the long journey ahead. James had two sons. James Jr. his oldest son, fourteen, loved the farm. David his other son, twelve, loved his father. Both sons, James Jr. and David were to remain at home and take care of their mother and sisters.

David always the adventurous one pleaded with his father to take him along.

Finally, after much discussion with his mother, David was allowed to go with his father.

They headed for the unexplored lands known by the Indian word Michigan. It was a hostile land.

James soon became comfortable with the presence of his son. On several occasions, David warned his father of prowling bears and native hunting parties long before his father could hear them.

After traveling for three weeks they finally came to a small white settlement on the shores of a beautiful blue lake. The townsfolk of this settlement were all trappers.

On the wall of the general store was a large map of the area highlighting the trapping lines of each trapper. The available areas were also indicated and James traced out an area for himself.

After replenishing his supplies and making a copy of the map, he and David headed out for their new home.

On arriving on the land indicated on the map they found a suitable flat area near water to set camp.

As soon as the tent was up and food stored away the two headed into the bush to scout out the best places for setting their traps.

After three hours of following animal trails and locating beaver lodges, they headed back to camp.

They arrived at the camp around dusk.

It was a warm summer evening and David decided he was going to cool off in the lake.

No sooner had he dove into the water when a raiding party of natives came into the camp. James grabbed for his rifle but was not quick enough. A well-thrown spear found its mark. James slumped over a log, the spear protruding from his back.

David watched the whole incident and was paralyzed by the sudden brutality of the invaders. Before he could come to his senses two natives jumped into the water and dragged him out by his arms.

David tried to fight but the natives being much stronger and bigger only laughed at him. The leader of the raiding party, son of the chief, motioned the others to return to camp with the boy.