The seal poachers, Ty and Brook Spencer, along with their cohort, Kelly Toms, get into an argument with fur buyer Jack Capp when he refuses to buy their poached furs. In an ensuing scuffle, Ty shoots Capp. Kodiak apprehends Ty, places him under guard with Mr. Imhook and sets out to arrest the other poachers. Brook gets the jump on Kodiak and plans to use him as hostage for his brother's release.

Kodiak's effort to transport an expectant mother through the snow to access professional assistance encounters a dual challenge: an irate husband and a fleeing murderer.

Ford Windust is a resentful gold miner who has lost an arm, and he now confines his partner, Abel Lonegan, in chains while threatening him with a shotgun to ensure he continues to mine for gold. Windust contracts a fever, which indicates trouble for Kodiak.