Summary

In a letter addressed to Mr. Sloan, a man named Walter (Walt) Forrester writes about his great-uncle's expedition to Alaska in 1885. He tells Mr. Sloan that the journals of the trip are fascinating. Walt says that he also sent writings from his great-aunt Sophie, and encourages Mr. Sloan to consider turning them and Walt's artifacts into a collection.

The diary of Allen Forrester begins on March 21st, 1885 in Alaska. He writes about the crippled, old, Eyak Indian perched in a tree near the camp. He feels he saw something extraordinary, but cannot explain it. The crew leaves the next morning, despite not having any help except for the old man. The old man claims to know the land better than anyone. The group's progress has been slow because of army affairs, and Allen is eager to reach the mainland. His other two men...