19th century Kentucky mountains are the scene of a sensitive pioneer story that tells of a young girl's new found faith in life and of some problems of rail-roading. Young Brady Allen, whose dad has an ""itchy foot"", is taken to live with the Marston family. Headed by old Judge Marston, they have regional prestige that at first intimidates Brady and acts as a bulwark against ""outlanders"" like Jim Forbes, a young railroad surveyor with whom Sally Marston has fallen in love. A shooting involving Jim, brings Brady and young Bob Marston to his aid. Through their combined efforts, the mountain people are convinced of the advantages the railroad will bring them in the long run.