The boy goes hunting with his dogs Old Dan and Little Ann. They tree a mountain lion which attacks the dogs. In the fight, the boy is able to kill the lion but both dogs are injured. On the way home, he notices Old Dan is missing and finds him tangled in bushes with his entrails hanging out. He rushes Old Dan home but despite his mother's efforts, Old Dan dies from his injuries. Afterwards, Little Ann loses her spirit and will to live. A few days later, the boy finds Little Ann has passed away lying on Old Dan's grave.