Danny Pickett lives in the Wintapi wilderness with his father, Ross Pickett. One day, Danny trails a bull through the woods for his boss, Mr. Haggin. Danny soon finds the tracks of the Wintapi’s infamous bear, Old Majesty. He’s trailed Old Majesty before but hopes that today he’ll be able to kill him. When he finds Mr. Haggin’s dead bull shortly thereafter, he gives up on the bear and leaves the woods.

Danny walks to Mr. Haggin’s estate to tell him about the bull. Mr. Haggin owns and operates the property in the Wintapi clearing. Mr. Haggin’s dog Red greets Danny as he approaches. Danny is familiar with dogs, but this hound seems different. Mr. Haggin’s overseer, Robert Fraley, addresses Danny brusquely. Danny doesn’t want to tell Fraley about the bull or the bear and waits to see Mr. Haggin. Meanwhile, Red stays by his side.

When Mr. Haggin appears, he asks Fraley to put Red in the kennel. Danny is horrified when Fraley grabs and twists Red’s collar. Mr. Haggin doesn’t notice and addresses Danny about the bear instead.